The Chief Executive Officer of Maritime Media Ltd, Asu Beks, has called for the concession of the floating dockyard owned by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to ensure its optimal utilisation.

Mr Beks made the call in a statement issued to journalists in Lagos, noting that the facility remains a strategic asset capable of strengthening Nigeria’s maritime capacity if fully operational.

According to him, the floating dockyard, valued at about N50 billion, was originally intended to be deployed to Okerenkoko in Delta State to support training at the Nigerian Maritime University.

The maritime expert, who is also convener of the Maritime Industry Merit Awards, said the facility remained largely unused since it was acquired in 2016.

He explained that the dockyard had been moved between several locations, including Naval Dockyard Ltd., Continental Shipyard Ltd., and most recently Snake Island in Lagos, while efforts continued toward its operational deployment.

Mr Beks suggested that engaging competent private operators through a concession arrangement could help unlock the asset’s economic value.

He cited Tantita Security Services Ltd. as a possible operator, noting the company’s operational network and experience in maritime and oil pipeline security operations in the Niger Delta.

He said, “With the operational network and technical capacity of companies like Tantita, this asset can be transformed into a profitable national facility.”

Mr Beks urged relevant stakeholders in the maritime sector to work towards ensuring that the floating dockyard was effectively utilised.

According to him, reviving the facility will strengthen Nigeria’s ship repair capacity, support maritime training and reduce reliance on foreign ship repair facilities.

He added that effective utilisation of strategic maritime assets such as the floating dockyard would contribute to growth in the country’s maritime industry and the broader blue economy. 

(NAN)