In a bid to enforce Sulphur regulations, the Nigerian Federal Government has announced its intention to implement strict measures against foreign ships operating on Nigerian waters. Adegboyega Oyetola, who is the minister in charge of Marine and Blue Economy, unveiled the new plan and strategy during an event held in Lagos to commemorate the arrival of the CMA CGM SCANDOLA, a massive and largest container ship that recently arrived from China with an impressive cargo of 15,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit).
According to Oyetola, who was represented by Mohammed Bello-Koko, the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria has made significant progress in acquiring the requisite equipment for enhancing NPA’s ability to conduct Sulphur analysis. He expressed great enthusiasm for the shift towards the utilisation of natural gas, a more eco-friendly alternative for ships navigating the waterways. He added that in order to minimise air pollution in the shipping industry, it is imperative to decrease the Sulphur content present within the fuels utilised by ships.
Nigeria celebrates LNG vessel launch and Lekki deep seaport advancements.
The country expressed immense pride in being connected with the CMA CGM group’s ground breaking launch of an LNG power vessel. This incredible accomplishment aligns perfectly with the IMO Greenhouse Gas Strategy for 2023, aiming to minimise carbon intensity in global shipping by a minimum of 40% by 2030. Oyetola praised the Nigerian Ports Authority management for adhering to the Ministerial directive in their efforts to modernise the port while considering the global energy transition. He specifically highlighted the Scandola ship, which stands out as one of the biggest container vessels to dock in West Africa and has a capacity of 15,000 TEUs.
Furthermore, he added that the Lekki Deep Seaport is well-equipped with advanced facilities and infrastructure, including a natural water depth of 16 meters. These features, along with its exceptional efficiency and capacity of up to 1.2 million TEUs in phase one, make it a prime transhipment centre for not only Nigeria but also neighbouring countries in the Gulf of Guinea and even farther afield. He mentioned that the shipping volumes show a promising increase and assured that the Ministry would provide assistance to the NPA in transforming Nigerian Ports into environmentally sustainable hubs.
Gov Sanwo-Olu commends Lekki port and terminal operator.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos state, also expressed his admiration for Lekki Port and its terminal operator, Lekki Freeport Terminal, for their outstanding contribution to port operations. With the remarkable feat of bringing over the largest container ship within a year of commencing operations, they have elevated Nigeria to a prominent position in the global logistics industry. This achievement has firmly established Nigeria as a major player in international port transactions. Absolutely prepared for economic opportunities, Nigeria stands poised to engage in the world of commerce.
He stated that Nigeria is actively establishing a favourable atmosphere for businesses that appeal to investors’ perceptions. The President’s ambitious call to construct a $1 trillion economy by 2030 necessitates the collective effort and resolute dedication of individuals from various sectors across the nation, he emphasised. As stated by Du Rougang, the director in charge of Lekki Deep Seaport, the arrival of the ship at Lekki Port marks a significant turning point for Nigeria’s ports. This event is part of the CMA/CGM West Africa Express (WAX) service, a direct route connecting China to Lekki Port.
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Moreover, the berthing of the vessel not only provides a new blueprint for Nigeria’s port operations but also opens up fresh possibilities for trade and commerce. He added that they will guarantee that Lekki Port assumes a significant function in the country’s maritime market. Additionally, Christophe Cassang, the CEO of Lekki Freeport Terminal (LFT), which is a subsidiary of the CMA/CGM Group, expressed that Lekki Port will have a significant impact on Nigeria’s maritime sector as it will drive economic growth and improve business facilitation. He guaranteed that the future of the Nigerian maritime environment would witness a substantial revolution.
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