As part of efforts to bridge the infrastructure gap and provide an alternative mode of evacuation of goods from seaports via the nation’s inland waterways, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) and Sealink Promotional Company Limited last Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The General Manager Corporate Affairs, NIWA, Mr. Tayo Fadile who disclosed this in a statement recently said that the MOU was a step further towards recognizing the pivotal role of inland waterways in national economic development.
Fadile stated that NIWA was delighted to partner with NEXIM and Sealink Promotional Company and its strategic consortium partners in the facilitation of bulk cargo movement on inland waterways and promoting hinterland and transit trade.
He noted that the MOU would hopefully encourage efficient transportation system in line with global best practices that was safe, seamless and affordable.
The General Manager added that the development would also support river port development and modernization of existing NIWA facilities across the nation.
He further observed that the MOU would support the survey, underwater engineering works, removable and disposal of wrecks among several other projects geared towards improving and developing inland waterways navigation.
In his words, “By the time the MOU is fully implemented, Nigeria’s inland waterways will never be the same. This is good news to all stakeholders on Nigerian Inland Waterways. This positive development will better position NIWA to provide ways and means on Nigerian Waters”.
