The National Inland Waterways Authority has said the Onitsha River Port area management is currently engaging technical partners from Port of Antwerp.
The Managing Director, NIWA, George Moughalu, while addressing journalists in Lagos on Friday, said that the agency was examining bid offers for Lokoja and Oguta river ports.
Giving an update on river ports, he said the Baro river port challenge is about access but expressed delight at Federal Government’s approval for rail construction and road plans by federal and state governments.
“NIWA is examining offers from bidders for Lokoja and Oguta river ports concession, while Onitsha river port Area Management is currently engaging Technical Partners from the Port of Antwerp,” he said.
Muoghalu said the agency had intensified efforts to sensitise riverine communities on safety measures and standards for inland waterways operations, especially on the use of standard life-jackets, ban on night travel and overcrowded boats.
He said, “I have told my area managers across the nation that I want to have biweekly reports on sensitisation activities. In terms of reaching these locals, using radio is the best but it’s also important to engage them physically using the churches, mosques, traditional rulers and religious leaders.”
