July 08, (THEWILL) – With an eye to utilising the 3,500 navigable channels across the country, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in collaboration with the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) is planning to get container-bearing heavy-duty vehicles out of Nigerian highways to the waters to avoid pressures and damage to roads infrastructure.
Dr. George Moghalu, Managing Director of NIWA, who disclosed the plan recently, stated that there is still the national question on what Nigerian boat operators have done with the numerous navigable channels across the country, promising to assist them to find their bearings.
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the ATBOWATON held, Wednesday at Gombe Jewel Hotel, Abuja, Dr. George Moghalu stated that: “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.
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
