By correspondent in Lokoja.
The Federal Government on Tuesday booster water transportation in kogi state, north central Nigeria by commissioning 15 boats to enhance water transportation in atate and by extension,other states of the nation.
While inaugurating the boats of different capacity at the National Inland Water Authority, (NIWA) headquarters in Lokoja, the Minister of Marine and blue economy,Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola said that the new boats were in consonance the renewed hope of the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The ministry noted that the inauguration of the boats was in line with the realization that maritime sector plays a strategic role in the nation’s economy.
He assured the nation that, the Tinubu-,led government is fully committed in ensuring that the land water ways are well utilized in terms of cargo shipment and passengers transportation to boost transportation.
“Out of 15 boats we are commissioning today, it comprises of three with 150 horse power to ensure that NIWA Police officers are more visible.
” We also have five boats with double scintillating horse power for enforcement of safety rules and regulations. Another one is gun patrol boat, combat ready with five horse power for emergency response to security threat and 162 seater passenger boat as a pilot scheme to replace the wooden passenger canon.
“We also have three fully equipped water ambulances for prompt response to emergencies and many more.
“We are all aware of the need to improve Nigeria manners of trade,very crucial in strengthening the value of the naira and creating employment in line with Mr President policy agenda.
“Considering the strategic role that the maritime sector plays in actualizing this noble objective, the Federal Ministry of Marine and blue economy is determined to ensure the actualization of the comparative advantages that our maritime resources present.
“I am not surprised that NIWA is keying into the concerted effort of achieving the economic growth of the renewed hope agenda of this administration.
“I must commend the management of NIWA for their visionary intervention in ensuring that the water transportation growth comes alive after several years of being in the pipelines,”the minister said.
“Am aware that out of the 10,000 kilometers of our water ways, only 3000 kilometers are navigable. We are determined to increase them by at least,2,000 kilometers more. That is why it is desirable for us to embark on a holistic dredging of scientifically important inland water ways for the passage of goods and people.
“This is a task that must be accomplished to create a positive change and leave a lasting legacies for generations to come,”according to Oyetola.
He added that the Ministry is currently engaging with relevant stakeholders to finalize the arrangements and disbursement of funds for the development of the maritime sector.
“As a ministry, we will continue to create an enabling environment, develop policies and offer the necessary support to grow the inland water ways segment of the maritime sector in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu.
” In line with the mandate of the ministry of Marine and blue economy, we will continue to pursue vigorously the development of the shipping and maritime related sectors in order for ensure sustainable development in our marine resources,”he said.
The Minister called on the private sector to explore and utilize the opportunity in the maritime sector for possible investment and partnership with government to enhance growth and ensure sustainable development.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, National Inland Water Authority, (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji
recalled that three fatal boat accidents were recorded in different locations of the country, pointing out that it had made the Authority to look inward to avert future occurrence.
“We recorded not less than three fatal boat accidents on the water ways in different locations which challenged us for an emergency response strategy.
” We equally discovered a gap in our approach to enforcement on the water ways. Today, we are here to officially launch boats for public use, which will help regulate the conduct of passengers and provide a frame work in water transportation”he told the minister.
He called on the National Assembly members to expedite action in passing the National Inland Water Authority (NIWA) act before them.
In his address, the Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo,represented by his Deputy, Joel Salifu Oyibo, disclosed that the State assured continued support in keying into the renewed hope of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The governor who commended the current management of NIWA for piloting the ship of the Authority to the administration of the state government and people of the state, promised to support NIWA realize its set programmes to fruition.
Our correspondent reports that the ministry also unveiled “The Inland Water Ways Transportation Regulations 2023”.
