NIWA Tasks Operators to Take Advantage of 3,500 Navigable Water Channels, As Moghalu Inducts Frank Meke into Board of ATBOWATON
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has charged aĺl waterways operators in Nigeria, especially the Association of Tourist Boats and Water Transporters Operators of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) to take advantage of the navigable channels to open and expand opportunities for water transportation economy.
Dr George Moghalu, Managing Director of NIWA gave the charge during the Annual General Meeting of ATBOWATON held on Wednesday at Gombe jewel hotel, Abuja
The NIWA MD used the occasion to induct Mr Frank Meke, a seasoned Cultural and Tourism journalist into the Board of ATBOWATON.
Moghalu questioned what Nigerian Boat Operators has done with the three thousand and five hundred navigable channels across the country, promising to assist boat operators to find their bearings.
Dr Moghalu stated that NIWA is determined to get containers bearing heavy duty vehicles out of Nigerian highways to the waters to avoid pressures and damage to roads infrastructure.
“It is sad to see the damage done to our roads by containers bearing heavy duty vehicles, and which ordinarily can be moved easily through our Inland Waterways. We shall continue to advocate that such trucks should be kept off the highway and containers and heavy equipment be transported through the waters” he explained.
Dr Moghalu revealed that a contract for the construction of a jetty in illa, Delta state will be awarded soon, commending atbowaton members for the long years of dedication and sacrifice for the growth of water transportation business in Nigeria.
“No doubt atbowaton is our partner in progress and deserves our support, we at niwa are happy see the huge turn out of atbowaton members from over twenty states, an indication that the future of the association and Water transportation is bright” he added.
Dr Moghalu later presented an ATBOWATON branded face Cap and inducted Mr Frank Meke, an accomplished maritime and Cultural tourism development journalist as a member, Board Of Trustees of ATBOWATON.
He commended the selfless service and passion to which Mr meke brought to bear in the reporting and advocacy on marine transportation and tourism.
Earlier, the President of ATBOWATON, Mr, Gani Tarzan Balogun, praised the efforts of NIWA to change the narratives of water transportation in Nigeria and for also carrying the association along in its programs across the country.
Other dignitaries at the well attended meeting, were the acting president of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr Nkerewuem onung, Mrs Susan Akporiaye President National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and Justina ovat, President, Women in Hospitality.
