Caverton Marine advocates safe water transportation at NIWA’s stakeholders’ meeting
By KEMI KASUMU
“The future of water transportation in Nigeria is safe, reliable, and professional. That future begins with Caverton,” Olabode Makanjuola, Caverton CEO, added.
Caverton Marine has called on marine industry stakeholders to pay utmost attention to safety on all waterways in the country to position the industry for unlimited growth.
Speaking at the Stakeholders’ Meeting on Safety and Insecurities held at Wells Carlton Hotels and Apartments, Abuja on Thursday, October 24, 2024, Olabode Makanjuola, the company’s CEO, said the entrenchment of safety across Nigeria will offer a viable alternative in transportation for Nigerians.
At the event, organised by the National Inland Waters Authority (NIWA) and chaired by Gboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Makanjuola unveiled his company’s vision on safe water transportation in Nigeria.
“Today marks a significant milestone not just for Caverton, but for the future of water transportation in Nigeria. As many of you know, for years, Caverton has been a cornerstone in Nigeria’s oil and gas logistics sector, where safety isn’t just a priority – it’s the foundation of everything we do.
“Our track record speaks for itself. Through our aviation logistics operations, we’ve consistently demonstrated that when it comes to transporting precious cargo – whether it’s personnel or equipment – there can be no compromise on safety. This unwavering commitment has made us the trusted partner for major oil and gas companies operating in some of the most challenging environments,” the Caverton Marine boss stated.
According to him, through the OMIBUS innovation, the company plans to replicate the same dedication to safety and uncompromising commitment to excellence to the water transportation sector in Nigeria.
In practical terms, he said the vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art safety features and crew members undergo rigorous safety training and certification.
On the stand-out features of the initiative, he highlighted strict maintenance schedules that exceed industry standards, safety protocols which are continuously reviewed and updated as well as the employment of real-time monitoring systems for all aspects of operations.
“Why water transportation? Because we see both the immense potential and the pressing need. Nigeria’s waterways are natural highways that have been underutilized. But more importantly, we see the need for an operator who puts safety first – always, without exception.
“This isn’t just about transportation – it’s about transformation. We’re not just offering a service; we’re setting a new standard for what water transportation in Nigeria should be. The same expertise that has made us a trusted name in oil and gas logistics will now serve the broader transportation needs of our nation. The future of water transportation in Nigeria is safe, reliable, and professional. That future begins with Caverton,” he added.
Earlier this year, the company announced a partnership with the Lagos State Government, leading to the commissioning of 25 locally-built Omnibus FRP 40-passenger ferries to enhance waterways transportation.
Through a public private partnership, it aims to advance the state’s transportation infrastructure, providing a reliable, safe, and efficient mode of transport towards achieving the global sustainable development goals (SGDs).
The company, one of the two subsidiaries of Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc., a foremost indigenous offshore logistics services provider, focusing on new areas of growth, has continued to spread its horizon beyond Lagos State.
The company has entered into partnerships on water transportation with states including Anambra and Edo State, among others in recent times.
Taking stock recently of its operations, the group said advanced discussions are being held with some national governments across the continent towards increasing the company’s footprint across Africa.
Some of the countries include in those conversations across operational areas like aviation, training and water transport are Republic of Benin, Senegal and Ivory Coast.
