FG Okays ₦286bn For Maritime Safety, Port Infrastructure

The federal government has approved projects worth about ₦286 billion to strengthen maritime safety, improve port operations and protect Nigeria’s marine environment.

The approvals were granted on Monday by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) during its meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting on behalf of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said the Council approved four major projects aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s marine infrastructure, improving port efficiency and protecting the country’s waterways.

Lawal said FEC approved the procurement of two marine pollution control vessels valued at about ₦59.05 billion to combat plastic and other marine waste across Nigeria’s oceans, creeks and inland waterways, enhance environmental protection and improve the safety of navigation.

The Council also approved the acquisition of six pilot cutter boats worth about ₦80.03 billion to transport marine pilots safely to and from ships, assist vessels navigating port channels and improve communication between ships and the Nigerian Ports Authority.

In addition, FEC approved the purchase of two firefighting boats at a cost of about ₦34.06 billion (equivalent to $16 million) to strengthen emergency response to fires involving ships, oil terminals, waterfront facilities and other port infrastructure.

Lawal further disclosed that the Council approved ₦112.85 billion for the capital and maintenance dredging of the Escravos Channel through a joint venture involving the Nigerian Ports Authority and private sector partners.

According to him, the project will improve navigability, remove obstructions, strengthen pollution monitoring, maintain navigational aids and enhance maritime safety in line with international maritime standards.

He said the four projects are expected to improve maritime safety, promote environmental sustainability, enhance port operations and support the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.