NPA boosts local content in maritime sector

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has buoyed the local content in the maritime sector, as it floats a training facility that would guarantee capacity building and save the multi-million-naira capital flight hitherto spent abroad.

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Ameachi at the commissioning of NPA’s marine and harbour ultra-modern simulation centre at Dockyard, Apapa, said the feat would save the Federal Government foreign exchange that would have been used in training personnel abroad, assuring that that government is desirous of encouraging local content in other to grow the economy.

Amaechi said: “It is a testament that we are attaining the status of the desired maritime destination of choice. This facility would attract professionals from within and outside the country,”

He commended NPA for the inter agency collaboration within the sector and urged its continuity for greater dividend.

Managing, NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman stated that the commissioning of the centre signals the Federal Government’s preparedness and firm resolve at competing most favorably in the global maritime space.

She informed that the marine and harbours ultra-modern simulation centre is expected to engender greater operational efficiency in the activities of the organisation with the expectant patronage from within Africa and indeed globally.

Usman affirmed, that the development would build the capacity of operations personnel, the pilots, marine officers, tug masters, radio signal operators and prepare them to respond appropriately to the challenges of their various schedules.

She added: “With the centre fully in place, our Ports would benefit immensely through the increase in numbers and receipt of bigger vessels at our Ports. Management she stated would be glad at seeing that the facility is put into good use by all, at all times,”

“The Authority pays high premium on the capacity of its personnel to be the best at their schedules and various duties in other to respond to greater operational challenges”.

The NPA boss said that the commissioning of the Centre is a reminder to all and sundry and a critical pointer at the fact that matters concerning occupational health and safety standards 18001 and ISO 9002 compliance drive are expedient issues requiring all hands to be on deck in other that they are accomplished assiduously soonest.

Describing the facility as a national pride, she implored administrators of the facility and stakeholders to always observe required Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) adding that Management of the NPA would prioritize maintenance of the centre.

Chairman Board of Directors, NPA commended the synergy harnessed by the management of the authority resulting in the commissioned facility stressing that it would help in advancing the industry forward much as it would result in boosting the nation’s economy.