Firm Procures 2 Patrol Boats to Fight Water Pollution in Nigeria Waters

Abiola Seun

In order to enhance its operations in the years ahead, African Circle Pollution Management Limited (ACPML) has procured two more patrol boats. The purchase of the boats is in addition to the ones it got earlier namely, MV Etypou, MV Muzube 1 and MV Muzube 2.

The procurement of the two Coast Guard 36 patrol boats was in line with its desire to fulfil its mandate as contained in the agreement it signed with the Federal Government through the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

The two boats named Aderinsola and Hadiza are fitted with modern technological features to cope with their functions in Nigeria territorial waters, particularly in the nation’s seaports situated in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Warri and Calabar.

The procurement of the boats is in accordance with the requirements of Maritime Pollution (MARPOL) 73/78, one of the key guidelines of the global maritime watchdog, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) which has its headquarters in London, United Kingdom.

With the provisions of MARPOL 73/78, the management of the NPA is mandated by the IMO to provide adequate waste reception facilities for waste generated in vessels calling in Nigerian ports.

While unveiling the boats in a brief ceremony which took place at Tin Can Island Port (TCIP), Apapa, Lagos, the Managing Director of the NPA, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman commended the management of ACPML for the strides it has made since it signed the agreement with the Federal Government over two decades ago.

Usman who was represented at the occasion by the NPA General Manager, Health Safety and Environment (HSE), Engr. Suleiman Abdulbaki noted that ACPML has done well in the execution of the provisions of the agreement it signed with the government.

Her words: “African Circle Pollution Management Limited has been in partnership with Nigerian Ports Authority for over two decades in the areas of pollution control monitoring, and management of ports reception facilities, ACPML operates in the most excellent way to the highest standard”.

The NPA Managing Director noted that the acquisition of two Coast Guard 36 patrol boats by the company was a noteworthy achievement that deserves high commendation.

According to her, the acquisition of the boats will go a long way in enhancing the effective management of ship generated waste in accordance with the provisions in the Annexes of MARPOL 73/78 convention.

“On behalf of our Managing Director, Hadiza Bala Usman and the entire management of Nigerian Ports Authority, I have the privilege to commission these boats for efficient and effective management of marine pollution on our water channels.”

Speaking on behalf of ACPML, its Regional Manager, East, Pastor Olajide Oluwayemi stated that the procurement of the boats was geared towards ensuring that the company surveillance operations in line with its mandate are not hindered in Nigeria waters.

Describing the boats as “brand new”, Oluwayemi stated that the decision to procure the boats was in furtherance of the company commitment to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of Ships (MARPOL 73/78) and in line with the provisions of port reception facilities for the NPA as contained in our agreement.

ACPML had in 2018 procured no fewer than 16 new specialised trucks to evacuate waste generated in ships calling in the nation’s seaports.

The procurement of the trucks was in addition to the ones it had earlier acquired in the discharge of its roles and responsibilities in Nigerian ports.

The move was in line with its desire to fulfil its mandate as contained in the agreement it signed with the Federal Government through the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).