By Doris ABRAHAM...CONTINUE READING
In order to improve water transportation in Kogi State and other regions of the nation, the Federal Government has put into service fifteen boats on Tuesday, each with varying capacity. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, commissioned the boats at the National Inland Water Authority (NIWA) headquarters in Lokoja. According to Oyetola, the marine industry is strategically important to the country’s economy and the current government is committed to making sure that the waterways are effectively used for both passenger and cargo transits.
We are commissioning 15 boats today, three of which have 150 horsepower to increase the visibility of NIWA Police officers. We have five boats with twice as much horsepower as needed to enforce safety laws. Another is a 162-seat passenger boat that is a trial project to replace the wooden passenger canon, and a single-gun patrol boat that is equipped with five horsepower and is combat-ready for emergency responses to security threats. In addition, we have three completely furnished water ambulances for quick emergency response, among many other things. With the launch of this initiative, we are demonstrating our continued dedication to making sure that our inland waterways are effectively used for both passenger and cargo traffic. It is common knowledge that enhancing Nigeria’s trade practices is essential to strengthening the naira’s value and generating jobs in accordance with the President’s policy goal.
The Federal Ministry of Marine and the Blue Economy is committed to ensuring the realisation of the unique benefits that our maritime resources bring, given the vital role that the maritime sector plays in achieving this admirable goal,” he said.
The minister urged the private sector to take advantage of the opportunities in the maritime industry by collaborating with the government. In his welcome address, Bola Oyebamiji, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NIWA, noted that three deadly boat accidents had been reported in various parts of the nation. He added that this had caused them to reflect internally in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Three deadly boat accidents were reported on the canals in various areas, which posed a challenge to our emergency response plan. We also found a weakness in the manner we enforced the law on the waterways. We’re here to formally open boats for public use today, which will assist control passenger behaviour and offer a framework for water transportation”, said Oyebamiji. He urged the National Assembly to urgently approve the National Inland Water Authority (NIWA) Act before it.
