Lawmakers Pledge To Assist For Completion Of Lokoja River Port
The National Assembly (NASS),House of Representatives Committee on Inland Waterways has promised to assist NIWA in the completion of Lokoja River port by making adequate provision in 2025 budgetary allocation.
The Chairman of the House committee on Inland Waterways Hon. Ojotu Ojema disclosed when he led six other members on a legislative oversight function of the committee to the Headquarters of the Authority, and for an on-spot assessment tour of the Lokoja River Port.
Hon. Ojema said “we looked forward to a faithful and fruitful discussion and insight as we prepare for the 2025 budget”. He acknowledged the critical role the Inland Waterways play in Nigeria’s Transportation sector and how it has impacted on the economy.
“We came to see some of the ongoing infrastructural development especially Lokoja-Jamata port which to me has become an eyesore, and year in-year out we are aware that money have been voted for the development of this sector.
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“But usually the money is inadequate, and we are calling on the contractor handling this port to expedite action and also for the sufficient funds to be made available to ensure that this port is conclusively constructed”.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director of NIWA Mr. Bola Oyebamiji FCIB, thanked the chairman and members of the committee for their support to the Authority at all times.
He gave a brief overview of the progress made so far since he took over the leadership of the Authority and also some challenges encountered in the course of carrying out his duty especially the Lokoja port project.
He further stressed that “with the visit of the committee, I am sure that we will have a robust funding for this project, coming 2025 and this will aid the development of this port”.
The committee then proceeded for an on-spot assessment of the Lokoja River Port project.
Commenting, Hon. Ojema said “we have seen that this project has been lying here for quiet a number of years and we are saying that the Government should as a matter of priority give the necessary attention to this project considering the fact that the project is located at a very strategic place in this country”. He called on the contractor to as a matter of urgency go back to site and promised to assist in case of any challenge .