On September 26, BGICC officially handed over two advanced pilot vessels, PC Jalingo and PC Nadiya, to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). The transfer was formalized with the issuance of the official vessel transfer certificate by the head of NPA’s maritime operations department.
The following day, both vessels set sail from Apapa Port, independently navigating from Lagos offshore anchorage to Lekki Deep Sea Port. Upon their arrival, they were transferred to the NPA's pilotage department stationed at Lekki Port, marking a significant enhancement to the port’s operational capabilities and opening a new phase in vessel pilotage services there.
Looking forward, BGICC plans to provide additional high-tech pilot vessels and tugboats to support efficient operations at various Nigerian ports. This initiative aims to strengthen Nigeria's maritime economy and contributes to the broader objectives of Sino-African economic collaboration.
Du Ruogang, Managing Director of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), highlighted the operational benefits of the new pilot vessels, stating,“These two vessels will ensure safe navigation for large ships entering and exiting the port, supporting Lekki Port’s sustained growth and functionality.”He added that the expanded fleet will significantly bolster the port’s capacity to meet increasing freight demand and strengthen Lekki Port’s role as a vital gateway in West Africa’s trade network.