The Federal Government has assured the Anambra State business community of robust maritime commercial transactions following the fixing of the Onitsha River Port.
The Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority, Chief George Moghalu, gave the assurance in Onitsha during a stakeholders’ meeting on the economic viability of the port operations organised by NIWA.
He said reactions generated by the inauguration of cargo haulage from Onne Port in Rivers State to Onitsha River Port was a boost to the agency.
Describing it as a milestone achievement for the intermodal transportation system in Nigeria, Moghalu expressed optimism that the revival of Onitsha River Port would generate substantial business activities and create employment opportunities.
He said NIWA was more determined than ever to make more waterways navigable to facilitate marine transportation across the country.
He said, “In view of the growing transportation needs, particularly moving bulk commodities, containerised produce into the hinterlands, our country needs to focus on the development and harnessing of the benefits of inland waterways.
“Besides creation of jobs for our youths, movement of cargoes will help greatly in reducing the congestion on our roads and seaports through effective transshipment to our river ports in the hinterlands, thereby reducing the incidences of road mishaps.”
He added, “The Onitsha port was not yet a final destination, but we are in speedy completion plans to make it a destination port for goods and clearing of goods.
“We therefore urge relevant stakeholders, particularly members of Anambra business community and the South-East to key into the initiative of the Federal Government.”
The President, Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Chris Ukachukwu, said the commencement of full port activities would lead to rapid industrialisation.
– Punch