NPA Pilots Celebrate 20 Years of Excellence in Vessel Navigation

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) marked a significant milestone yesterday as its maritime pilotage unit celebrated two decades of guiding vessels safely into Nigerian waters. The ceremony, held at the Authority’s Lagos headquarters, brought together senior officials, veteran pilots and maritime industry stakeholders to recognise the team’s long-standing contribution to port operations and maritime safety.

In his remarks, the NPA Managing Director emphasised the critical role of trained and experienced pilots in ensuring safe navigation, reducing vessel groundings and improving port throughput. He noted that over the past 20 years, NPA pilots had managed the safe berthing and un-berthing of thousands of vessels, including some of the world’s largest ships calling Nigerian ports.

A Senior Pilot Capt. reflected on the journey, saying, “From manual charts and positional fixes we have moved to advanced simulation training, electronic navigation and sophisticated pilot-boats. The safety of every vessel starts with us.” The pilot also acknowledged the support of other maritime agencies in enhancing navigational standards.

The Authority used the event to highlight recent investments in the pilotage arm, including upgraded training simulators, new pilot launch boats and enhanced vessel-traffic services in major port districts all aimed at sustaining the high standard of service expected from the pilot corps.

Oshuniran Sheriff Ola