National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) recently commenced test running of moving containers from Onne Port to Onitsha River port.
Speaking during the arrival of some of the containers from Onne at Onitsha River Port the Managing Director of NIWA, Chief Dr. George Moghalu said, “the aim of the test run is to break the jinx and encourage partnership with the Barge Operators Association that is possible to move containers from Onne to Onitsha by water successfully and Onitsha to Onne as well”.
He further said, “This is the first phase of the test run and the second phase will be from Lagos Ports to Onitsha River port and Onitsha to Lagos”.
According to him, the activity indicates that NIWA is giving exemplary leadership to all investors that moving goods on the waterways is economically viable and safe, so that investors can key in and benefit from the potentials of water transportation.
The Managing Director also added that as part of his commitment since he assumed duty as Managing Director is to ensure that the Onitsha port is fully functional after 42 years of construction and its commissioning in 2012.
He, however, stated that the exercise was in preparation of the full official operation of the port which will commence in the first quarter of 2021.
The Managing Director also said, “There is no doubt that the full operation of the River port will boost Economic activities in Anambra State and south east, create jobs and wealth for our teaming youths, reduce bottle neck in clearing goods and save money wasted in transporting containers from different port to the south east, decongest our ports in Lagos and reduce the pressure on our roads”.
This information was disseminated in a press release signed by the NIWA Acting General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Jibril Darda’u.
