The Nigerian Navy, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Nigerian Export and import (NEXIM) Bank have begun the survey and charting for the lower River Niger and River Benue for enhanced waterway port to stimulate socio-commercial activities in the country.
The project will open up the country’s inland waterways to 25 African countries and Europe in transportation and trade connectivity, Chairperson, Sealinks Consortium, one of the handlers of the project, said on Wednesday in Lokoja.
According to her, the project, Dabney Shell-Holma, covering 932,000 square kilometres, will provide jobs for more than 5,000 Nigerian youth.
“I am sure the British Government will be celebrating what we are doing here today and will say, Nigeria has finally woken up from sleep.
“It’s a fact that 25 countries within the sub-African region are crippled because of lack of waterways, thereby making maritime or shipping business very difficult.
“This is why I said Britain will celebrate this flag-off ceremony.
“For more than 10 years, we have been hoping to see this day and thanks be to God it’s happening for real at Ajaokuta, the best port for the waterways.
“Sealinks Consortium is grateful to Afreximbank and NEXIM which have committed a 750,000 dollar-grant to improve Nigeria’s inland waterways operations which when completed will reduce transportation challenges in Nigeria by 50 per cent and boost the nation’s economy, “ she said.
The Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), George Muoghalu, reiterated NIWA’s commitment to the successful execution of the project.
“The project is designed to directly improve the navigability of the nation’s inland waterways and enhance the efficiency and safety of navigation,” he said.
Muoghalu noted that the authority, among other things, had acquired two state-of-the-art hydrographic survey vessels to guarantee continuous survey of waterways, and purchased 20 patrol boats and ambulances to enhance the safety of navigation on the highways.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, described the project as “government’s statement” towards expanding the nation’s transportation system through waterways and improving the nation’s economy.
He assured the government of the navy’s commitment towards bringing out a world class chart that would meet international standards for maritime safety and national security.