By The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has denied responsibility after a multimillion naira gunboat sank in Lagos on Saturday.
According to a statement by NIMASA spokesman, Mr Edward Osagie, the NIMASA-Barugu boat was the subject of litigation under the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The NIMASA-Barugu, one of the gunboats in the Global West Vessels Specialists (GWVS)’s fleet, sank at the Kirikiri Terminal, behind NIMASA Resource Centre, This publication as learnt
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According to reports, the vessel sank at about 10:13 p.m on Saturday despite efforts to salvage it.
Mr Osagie explained that the vessel under reference was one of Global West’s boats in service with the agency years ago.
He said, “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,” stated the NIMASA spokesman. “Collectively, the boats and their management have remained a subject of litigation and under the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for years.”
“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 NIMASA statement added. “The crew onboard does not report to NIMASA but Global West management, its owners.”
