Federal Government has unveiled plans to increase the navigable waterways across the nation
The waterways will be increased from three thousand kilometres to five thousand kilometres.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola said this on Tuesday in Lokoja during his working visit to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the inauguration of landmark projects embarked upon by the management of the authority.
“Increasing the Kilometres of the waterways will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of navigation on waterways for the passage of goods and people,” he said.
Oyetola said he is aware that of the 10, 000 kilometres of our waterways, only 3,000 kilometres are navigable and their are plans to increase it by at least 2,000 kilometres more.
“This is why it is desirable for us to embark on a holistic dredging of strategically important inland waterways for the passage of goods and people.
“This is a task that must be accomplished to create positive change, and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come, “ he said.
“The ministry is currently engaging relevant stakeholders to finalise the arrangement for the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) for the development of the maritime sector.
“As a ministry, we will continue to create enabling environment, develop policies and offer necessary support to grow inland waterways segment of the maritime sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.”
Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community or Google News online channel.