The Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has expressed its readiness to get containers bearing heavy duty vehicles out of Nigerian highways to the waters as part of measures to avoid pressures and damage to roads infrastructure.
Dr George Moghalu, Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), disclosed that there is still the national question on what Nigerian Boat Operators has done with the three thousand and five hundred navigable channels across the country, promising to assist boat Operators to find their bearings.
The MD , noted that the agency will be redefined to play strategic roles in the movement of good and services across the country, adding that the organised Boat Operators and Water Transporters have been challenged to take advantage of the navigable channels to open and expand opportunities for water transportation economy.
Speaking at the Annual General meeting of the association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria ( ATBOWATON) held, Wednesday in Abuja, Dr George Moghalu stated that NIWA is determined to get containers bearing heavy duty vehicles out of Nigerian highways to the waters to avoid pressures and damage to roads infrastructure.
He said:” It is sad to see the damage done to our roads by containers bearing heavy duty vehicles, and which ordinarily can be moved easily through our Inland Waterways. We shall continue to advocate that such trucks should be kept off the highway and containers and heavy equipment be transported through the waters”.
Moghalu revealed that a contract for the construction of a jetty in illa, Delta state will be awarded soon, commending ATBOWATON members for the long years of dedication and sacrifice for the growth of water transportation business in Nigeria.
” No doubt ATBOWATON is our partner in progress and deserves our support, we at NIWA are happy see the huge turn out of ATBOWATON members from over twenty states, an indication that the future of the association and Water transportation is bright” he added.
Dr Moghalu who presented an ATBOWATON branded face Cap and inducted Mr Frank Meke, an accomplished maritime and cultural tourism development journalist as a member, Board Of Trustees of ATBOWATON, commended the selfless service and passion to which Mr Meke brought to bear in the reporting and advocacy on marine transportation and tourism.
Earlier, the President of ATBOWATON Mr, Gani Tarzan Balogun, praised the efforts of NIWA to change the narratives of water transportation in Nigeria and for also carrying the association along in its programs across the country.
Other dignitaries at the well attended meeting, were the acting President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr Nkerewuem Onung, Mrs Susan Akporiaye President National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and Justina ovat, President, Women in Hospitality.
