FG Enlists Navy Support to Identify Pipelines Hampering Bonny Seaport

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The federal government has enlisted the support of the Nigerian Navy to identify pipelines that may hamper the building of the Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State.

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who made this known when the Nigerian Navy led by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, paid him a courtesy call in Abuja, said a place has already been chosen to build the seaport.

Amaechi noted that there’s a place government have chosen to build the seaport and want to make sure there are no pipes in that location and enroute the location by vessels. 

According to him, We will be glad if they can work with us to identify where the pipes are in Bonny, so that we know where they are

The Minister also said the Transportation ministry is prepared to work with the Nigerian Navy to achieve maritime security in the country and will be glad to assist if it is within the authority he presides over.

Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, reiterated the need for on the ground presence of an effective team of the Nigerian Navy at all seaports across the nation.

Gambo hinted that credible intelligence has it that, “since we left the ports about 1996, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons into our country is scary. But again, at every importation of fertilizer making materials or explosives for mining sites, the Navy had to be invited.”

Also Gambo said; “If NPA invites us at every opportunity to come and inspect these consignments and also ensure that they get to the destinations they are meant for and they are not diverted, then why not have us at the ports so that when the containers come in, they are not broached in the ports and subsequently after the inspection, we make sure they get to the right destination. 

“But it has not gained the necessary traction but I have written again to see that there is need for that especially with the establishment of the Office of the National Coordinator on Small Arms and Light Weapons by the Office of the National Security Adviser.”