Bolaji Okunola
Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Dr George Moghalu, has tasked the Federal Government to prioritised the nation’s waterways for economic development.
He made this statement on Sunday during a courtesy visit to the Royal Majesty, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi 1, the Oba Akran of Badagry, Lagos State, said there are a lot of economic benefits in the water transportation sector for Nigeria.
While addressing sailors who attended NIWA two days training workshop on safe handling of small craft for ferry operations and service on the inland waterways, he said development of the nation’s water transportation will reduce congestion at the nation’s ports if properly developed.
Moghalu, who spoke on the sidelines of a workshop for ferry operators in Badagry, tasked the Federal Government to prioritise the development of the nation’s waterways. He said: “Time after time, I have pleaded with the Government to develop our waterways as this will reduce the congestion at our ports. There is a lot of advantage that we can gain from this.”
Moghalu restated his desire to make sure that the waterways are navigable every year. He also tasked boat operators to embrace safety.
He said: “As an institution, we are concerned about safety on our waterways. We have various protocols that will help us achieve safety. As an institution, we are concerned about safety on our waterways. We have various protocols that will help us achieve safety.
“You cannot operate vehicles without being properly kitted. You must wear life jackets and drivers must be trained and licensed. On our part, we will remove the debris, wrecks and water hyacinth on our waterways. We will contribute our quota and investment in the system.”
The Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Sarat Lara Braimah also thanked the participants for taking advantage of the opportunity presented by the workshop to gain more knowledge.