The Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has made a compelling appeal to the Nigerian government to dredge the waterways serving the eastern ports to reduce congestion at the Apapa ports.
Managing Director of NIWA, Munirudeen Oyebamiji made the call during the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) 2023 conference recently held in Lagos.
Oyebamiji who was represented at the event by the General Manager, Business Development, Olumide Adetola, also recommended dredging the waterways in the eastern part of the country to enable businessmen directly berth goods at ports like Onne, amongst others.
The NIWA boss explained that his agency, NIMASA and NPA were not in any conflict with one another regarding their duties, adding that the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has made easier for the agencies function properly.
In his his paper presentation at the event, Oyebamiji observed that the nation’s waterways resources are grossly underutilized and underdeveloped.
In his words, “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.”
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