Minister of transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Ameachi, has commended the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for establishing an Ultra-Modern Marine and Harbour Simulation Centre at Dockyard Apapa, Lagos.
At the commissioning of the Centre, Amaechi said the centre would save the Federal Government foreign exchange that would had been used in training personnel abroad. This, he said, shows that government is desirous of encouraging local content development towards growing the economy.
“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 said.
The minister also commended the inter agency collaboration within the maritime sector and called for continuity for greater dividend.
Earlier, Hadiza Bala Usman, managing director, NPA, said the commissioning of the Centre signalled the Federal Government’s preparedness and Nigeria’s firm resolve at competing most favourably in the global maritime space.
According to Usman, the Marine and Harbours Ultra-Modern Simulation Centre is expected to engender greater operational efficiency in the activities of the NPA, following the expectant patronage from within Africa and globally.
She stated that the investment would build the capacity among NPA’s operations personnel such as pilots, marine officers, tug masters, radio signal operators and prepare them to respond appropriately to the challenges of their various schedules.
The Centre will enable Nigerian ports benefit through the increase in volumes and receipt of bigger vessels with economy of scale, she said, saying, “The Authority pays high premium on the capacity of its personnel to be the best at their schedules and various duties in order to respond to greater operational challenges. Therefore, we would be glad at seeing that the facility is put into good use by all at all time.”
She described the commissioning of the Centre as part of the Authority’s strategic positioning and intent at becoming the leading power in Port services in Africa and beyond.
It is a reminder to all 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 to ensure that they are accomplished soonest, she said.
She however implored administrators of the facility and stakeholders to always observe required Standard Operational Procedures (SOP), adding that the NPA would prioritise maintenance of the Centre.
On his part, Emmanuel Olajide Adesoye, chairman, board of directors of the NPA, who commended the management of the authority, said it would help in advancing the industry much and also result in boosting the nation’s economy.
