NPA installs state-of-the-art simulation centre at Apapa Dockyard
Joy Obakeye
The Nigerian Ports Authority has installed the latest in technology simulation centre at the Apapa Dockyard, Lagos to strengthen the capacity of maritime workers.
Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, unveiling the centre, said, the new Nigerian Ports Authority Simulation Centre will help conserve foreign exchange expended on manpower training overseas.
Amaechi said this at the inauguration of the newly established NPA Simulation Centre at Apapa Dockyard, Lagos.
“You cannot thrive in the maritime environment without knowledge of technology which will impact positively on the growth of the Nigerian economy.
“Only professionals will use this facility and I hope that this initiative will turn out as many professionals as possible.
“On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, we will support NPA and all other agencies and encourage them to have inter-agency collaboration towards the attainment of our common goals.”
The minister, however, urged stakeholders in the sector to make the best use of facilities at the stimulation centre which would ultimately add value to the nation’s economy.
Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala-Usman, said inauguration of the simulation centre was another testament of this administration’s resolve to prepare the NPA for the exigencies of the increasingly-competitive global maritime space.
According to her, a simulation centre is germane because it constitutes a critical success factor in actualising the NPA’s strategic intent of becoming the leading providers of port services in Africa.
She said: “As most of us may be aware, a simulation centre will enable us to build the capacity of our Pilots, Marine Officers, Tug Masters & Radio Signal Officers, Terminal Operators and other stakeholders to respond to the challenges of their jobs.
“The management of NPA places a very high premium on the personnel and we are poised to facilitate the capacity of members to be the best at what they do with the information and equipment that they need.
“This simulation centre is timely, as it is coming at a period when the series of efforts are concentrated on making our ports more competitive, thereby attracting greater vessel traffic.
“This commissioning is also a reminder that our drive towards attaining the Occupational Health and Safety Standards (OHSAS 18001) and ISO 9002 compliance status is no fluke and all hands must be on deck to make it a reality.”
