The National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, has commenced a test run on the movement containers from Onne Port in Rivers State to Onitsha River Port in Anambra State.
Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority, Dr. George Moghalu who flagged off the pilot scheme during the arrival of the first batch of containers from Onne to Onitsha River Port said, “the aim of the test run is to break the jinx and encourage partnership with the Barge Operators Association to move containers from Onne to Onitsha and Onitsha to Onne as well”.
He 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”.
NIWA , he said, 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.
Dr Moghalu revealed that as part of his commitment since he assumed duty as CEO of NIWA was to ensure that the Onitsha port is fully functional after 42 years of construction.
The pilot scheme he said is in preparation of the full official operation of the port which will commence by first quarter of 2021.
“There is no doubt that the full operation of the River port will boost Economic activities in Anambra State and the 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 ports to the south east, decongest our ports in Lagos and reduce the pressure on our roads”, Dr Moghalu explained.