FG Committed To Making Onitsha River Port Functional

The Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amechi has reiterated the federal government’s commitment towards making the Onitsha River Port functional.

The Transport Minister said that the federal government had earmarked the Onitsha port as a means to address some of the challenges facing the National Inland Waterways (NIWA) to enable the country fully exploit and enjoy the water mode of transportation.

Hon. Amechi disclosed this in an address he presented at the 9th Edition of ‘The Perspective’ an annual Lecture Series of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture, ONICCIMA, held at Archbishop C.J Patterson International Auditorium, All Saints Cathedral Onitsha, Anambra state.

He further stated that in order to sustain Nigeria’s economic growth through port reforms, a good regulatory framework must be laid down by the relevant agencies of the government as well as the private sector.

He added that a comprehensive legal framework, financial and monetary policies should be firmly established to be observed by all and sundry in the business industry and that the Onitsha River Port must be functional to help drive the economic hub of the business community in the country.

The Minister who was represented by Mrs. Nko Esuabana, an Executive Director in National Inland Waterways, Federal Ministry of Transportation said “the hazard of freighting goods through the road network, from Lagos to Onitsha market could be unimaginable, but business men especially from Onitsha and Southeast in general experience such every day”.

“Government will also provide for the technical and safety regulations of the National Inland Waterways, promote inter-modalism in transport sector, and facilitate the conclusion of agreement with foreign governments and international organization for the improvement, development and encouraging cooperation within ECOWAS region, for adoption of common standards, safety practices and interconnection for National Inland Waterways.

“Security of the port and conducive environment should be the hallmark for the efficient and effective administrative management of the port, and my Ministry will continue to encourage and cooperate with Anambra state for the participation and growth of Onitsha Chamber of commerce for the continuous growth of the industry”.

Earlier in his welcome address, President of ONICCIMA, Mr. Uche Apakama said ‘The Perspective was created as a forum that will become a truly rallying points for generating critical and evidence based solution to the developmental problems stunting the socio-economic growth and opportunities of Nigeria.

He noted that the theme for the 9th edition of ‘The Perspective’ “Sustenance of Nigeria’s Economic Growth through Port Reforms: Case of Eastern Ports” was carefully selected and appropriate resource persons were invited to handle it.