Vincent Toritseju12 June 2018, Sweetcrude, Lagos — The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman, has implored the private sector to take advantage of the enabling environment created by the Federal Government and invest in the nation’s Maritime sector.
Usman who spoke at the commissioning of the newly acquired ‘M. V Osanyamo at the weekend said that there was a need to diversify the economy with a view to growing and creating more opportunities.
“This morning’s event is another testament to the commitment of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to the improvement of the Nigerian economy, not just by diversification but by providing the enabling environment for the private sector to invest more in the country”, she said.
“In addition to its contribution to the development of the Maritime industry in the country, the introduction of MV OSANYAMO has the capacity for oil exploration and production in Nigeria. Said to be the largest Damen ASD Tug range till date, the ASD Tug 5114 model vessel is purpose-built to assist in tanker lifting operations alongside FPSOs in the Gulf of Guinea”, she added.
According to the Managing Director, “at 52.3 meters length, displacing 800 tonnes, a 268sqm deck space, at 5 tonnes load per metre, 2 large fuel and water tanks; with transfer capability of 115 tonnes astern and 110 tonnes ahead, two main ABC16 DZC engines delivering 6,700kw powering twin Kort nozzle thrusters manufactured by Schottel and additional capabilities like fire-fighting and oil recovery, the MV OSANYAMO is state-of-the-art tug, being a highly maneuverable vessel, fully equipped, for offshore operation.”
The NPA boss also reiterated the commitment of the agency to all investors in the nation’s maritime sector, stressing that “Together, we can work to make the sector the pride of Nigeria and the African continent as a whole.”
Hadiza Bala Usman particularly commended the Starzs Investment Limited for its commitment to the Nigerian Content requirement of the Federal Government to the extent that it can boast of a 100 percent Nigerian crew on its entire fleet of vessels.
The Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who christened the boat also commended Starzs Investment Limited for the Landmark.
