FG Must Transform Waterways Infrastructure Facilities In Line With Shared Vision …..Must Dredge
FG Must Transform Waterways Infrastructure Facilities In Line With Shared Vision
…..Must Dredge Eastern Water Channels To Reduce Apapa Ports Congestion- NIWA MD
Lucky Akra
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, (NIWA) Munirudeen Oyebamiji has adviced the Federal Government of Nigeria on the need to transform the Waterways facilities in line with shared vision.
While he urged the government to dredge the Waterways serving the Eastern ports to reduce congestion at the Apapa ports.
Oyebamiji who was represented by the NIWA’s GM, Business Development, Surveyor Olumide Adetola made this recommendation at the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) 2023 conference and awards which held in Rockview Hotel Apapa.
According to the NIWA Boss,the nation’s waterways resources were grossly underutilized and underdeveloped. “In order to elicit efficient, prudent and profitable utilization of the waterways transport system, the Federal Government must transform waterway infrastructure facilities in line with shared vision and initiative towards modern competitive multi-modal water transport system with best practices and service consistence with current global standards.
Also in his paper presentation, he said,”The government has to focus on dredging the waterways in the east to enable businessmen directly berth goods at the eastern ports like Onne, amongst others.”
Concerning their activities and responsibilities with other Parastatals,he also clarified that NIWA, NIMASA and NPA were not in any conflict with one another regarding their duties.
He made it clear that it had been made easier to function following the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Adetola said there’s a huge infrastructural deficit grossly affecting the waterways transport system in Nigeria.
He further said, the improvement in the institutional structure and features of waterways and its associated public utilities are essential to attain economic growth.
