Multimillion Naira Gunboat Sinks In Lagos

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There was tension as a multimillion naira gunboat reportedly in the fleet of Global West Vessels Specialists reportedly sank in Lagos on Sunday, April 3.

The gunboat was parked at the Kirikiri Terminal, behind the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Resource Centre.

Seafarers onboard the adjoining vessels were seen in a viral video blaming NIMASA for negligence, adding that they reported the impending disaster to NIMASA.

Assistant Director, Public Relations of NIMASA, Osagie Edward has however denied the agency’s culpability, while revealing that the boat was a subject of litigation. He also disclosed that it was under the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Edward said;

“Collectively, the boats and their management have remained a subject of litigation and under the custody of the EFCC for years.

“While this is an unfortunate development, it is important to bring to the attention of all that this vessel under reference here is one of Global West boats that were in service with the Agency years ago. This boat has the name NIMASA-Barugu right from the days of the contract. There are also other boats in this contractual category in Warri.”

Edward further added that they’ve tried to reactivate some of the boats but have been constrained by legal encumbrances.

He said;

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is on record that NIMASA recently made concerted efforts towards reactivating a few of the serviceable boats in this fleet but was constrained by the legal encumbrances due to the nature of the case in court. As a law-abiding entity, we approached the matter under sound legal advisory.

“Finally, it must be stated that this vessel was not in our jetty and under our management at the time of the incident. The crew onboard does not report to NIMASA but to Global West management, its owners. NIMASA remains committed to her statutory responsibility of administering safety and regulating the industry within the ambit of every lawful framework.”