Pilotage board members call for review of ports act

Members of the newly reconstituted Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) Pilotage Districts Boards, have recommended the urgent review of relevant sections on pilotage in the Ports Act of 1999, to reflect the present dynamics of the industry.

In a press statement signed by Malam Isah Suwaid, the Assistant General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of NPA, the members, in a communique signed by 21 participants at the workshop, also resolved that the “NPA Marine Pilots Training Manual” be reviewed to ensure the proper and effective capacity for the Authority’s trainee pilots.

These were part of the eleven points communique adopted by the Pilotage Districts Board members at the end of their two days’ workshop, which took place in Abuja on Wednesday.

Other highlights of the communique prioritized the fact that there is need to integrate the evaluation and appraisal of pilots in the Authority’s human resources process as highlighted by a presentation from the Human Resources/Operations Division of the NPA.

The workshop also showcased the imperatives of clearing the backlog of promotion of pilots so that they can measure up with their peers in other departments.

According to the communique, the Board called for provision of adequate marine craft to other pilotage districts outside Lagos, to make them function optimally and further enhance safety of navigation and operational efficiency amidst greater efficient customer service delivery.

On the engagement of Escravos pilot to provide services in some segments of Delta port channel, the Board stressed the importance of the certification of pilots and regulating their services in order to ensure safety in the nation’s maritime domain.

The Board commended the Management of NPA for responding to the enforcement of Electronic Chart Display Information System (ECDIS) which will facilitate the training and equipment of thepilot.

Earlier in his remarks at the inception of the workshop, the Executive Director Marine and Operations, Dr. Sokonte Davies, assured members of the Board that Management would render her maximum and an unflinching support to enhance the success of pilotage activities in all the districts.

Dr. Sokonte called on them to bring their wealth of experience and professional competence to bear on Port operations with a view to moving the Nigerian Maritime Industry and NPA in particular forward.