7 Years After Construction: NIWA Plans Movement of Cargoes from Apapa to Onitsha Port

National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has set up a committee on Multi-Model approach to Cargo delivery to ensure the nation’s waterways are opened up further to ensure movement of cargoes, especially from Apapa to Onitsha River Port in Anambra State.

This is coming seven years after the Federal Government under the then administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, invested over N4.6 billion in rebuilding the abandoned Port.
NIWA had announced that it had finally secured a concessionaire to manage the port.

Managing Director of NIWA, Dr. George Moghalu has however told journalists that the viability of the Onitsha Port was part of the discussions during a meeting of heads of maritime agencies which he hosted at the Authority’s Headquarters, Lokoja, Kogi State.

According to Moghalu, the committee on Multi-Model approach also looked at the movement of Cargoes from Lagos Port Kaduna dry port by rail, as well as to Onitsha River Port and other River Ports within the Country putting to active use the Waterways.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Bashir Jamoh DG/CEO Nigerian Maritime and Administration & Safety Agency (NIMASA), Hassan Bello, the Executive Secretary Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Sam Nwakohu, Registrar Council for the regulation freight forwarding in Nigeria (C.F.F.N) and representatives of Nigerian Customs service and Nigerian Railways Corporation.

Moghalu has stated that all Maritime Agencies in the country are looking for ways to harmonize their operations.

The Meeting looked at issues concerning Maritime Security and Safety, they received briefings from both NIMASA and NIWA and also the efforts made so far in the area of trade, development of manpower, enforcing the protocols to reduce the carnage on our Waterways, and the removal of wrecks which is being address by all the sister agencies in the country.

He further stated, the meeting set up a committee on Multi-Model approach to Cargo delivery, there was also a briefing on Nigerian Railway Corporation for its support on Cargo movement from the ports to the dry Port especially in Kaduna, there was update from the D.G of NIMASA on the deployment of a modular floating dock.

The M.D earlier in his opening address said “it is very important for us in the Maritime Sector to have decided to setup a platform we can share ideas, synergize where we can contribute our quarter in developing polices and building the Maritime Industry.

This is our Third meeting and is expected that this meeting will continue as we set issues that concern the Maritime Industry.

We will discuss to find solutions so that we can put them to use in our various establishments and at the same time bring solutions to the government at large”.

During questions and answers session on flooding sensitization, security and safety on our Waterways, the M.D said NIWA has a department that monitors flood and gives their report which is made available to other agencies so that people can be aware and take precaution. NIWA has also be running radio jingles and newspaper advertorials to sensitize the general public on flood disaster. He further said government is conscious and making effort on security and also taking safety measures on our Waterways so that it can have positive impact on the economy and image of the Country.