The minister also said the ministry was prepared to work with the navy to achieve maritime security in the country.
The Federal Government has enlisted the support of the Nigerian Navy to identify pipelines that might hamper building of the Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers.
The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, in a statement on Friday, said a place had already been chosen to build the seaport.
Mr Amaechi made this known when the Nigerian navy led by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
“There’s a place we have chosen to build the seaport, we want to make sure there are no pipes in that location and en-route that location by vessels.
”We will be glad if you can work with us to identify where the pipes are in Bonny, so that we know where they are,” Mr Amaechi said.
The minister also said the ministry was prepared to work with the navy to achieve maritime security in the country and would be glad to assist if it was within the authority he presided over.
He said :”If it’s something within my authority as the minister, we proceed and approve. If it’s above the minister, I will approach the President, so we can get the same approval.”
Mr Amaechi lauded the Nigerian Military for their selfless service, culminating in the safety of the citizenry and protection of the territorial integrity of the nation.
Earlier, the chief of naval staff, reiterated the need for on the ground presence of an effective team of the navy at all seaports across the nation.
“Credible intelligence says that since we left the ports about 1996, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons into our country is scary.
“But again, at every importation of fertiliser making materials or explosives for mining sites, the navy had to be invited,” Mr Gambo said, calling for the return of the navy to the ports for proper inspection.
