The Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) has placed order for three vessels in France and South Africa, in its aim to “respond to transport trend” and as part of strategies to enhance its security.
General Manager in charge of Public Affairs, Mr. Iheanacho Ebubeogu, disclosed this in Lagos. He identified one of the vessels as “Dorina,” which will be sent from France, while the other two are named “Agade and Ovie,” are being expected from South Africa.
“Let me tell you that beyond the purchase of boats, several other potent measures are being put in place, which may not be made public as a security measure, but we are not sleeping,” said Iheanacho.
He concluded by commenting on the state of low cargo volume across the ports and assured the public that the NPA is taking proactive steps, necessary to improve port services and will not give in to any terrorist threat.
According to him, the decline in cargo volume is due to direct outcome of global recession.
“You know that Nigeria is predominantly a destination port, different from ports of origin. The only port of origin in the country is that of Bonny, and so what happens is that when you have such recession, it throws up a spiralling effect on countries which operate destination ports,” he said.