NPA to partner Navy on training for tug masters

THE Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is to assist in the training of Tug Masters for Nigerian Navy after concluding all required consultations.

Speaking in Lagos when the Flagg Officer commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Jonathan  Ango, paid him a courtesy visit, the Managing Director of NPA, Habib Abdullahi also pledged to partner with the Navy in the area of security  along water channels

Abdullahi explained that assistance to the Navy is mutually beneficial to both parties, adding that the collaboration will further boost the contributions of the maritime industry to the nation’s economy.

He assured the Nigerian Navy of the Authority’s maximum cooperation and support  as part of measures  to curtail piracy and other maritime crimes in the nation’s waterways.

According to Abdullahi, though NPA is not the designated agency responsible for security at the nation’s ports, it has the responsibility for collaborating with the Nigerian Navy, Marine Police and other security agencies in order to ensure the safety of the channels for smooth navigation in compliance with International Ships and Ports Security [ISPS] Code.

Speaking earlier, Ango thanked the Managing Director for his assistance to the Nigerian Navy over the years, adding that he was at NPA on a courtesy visit as part of his familiarization tour of maritime agencies within the Western Naval Command.

Ango expressed gratitude of the Nigerian Navy to NPA  for the donation of patrol boats to the Navy last year and solicited cooperation in the continuous maintenance of the boats.