The North Central leader and kogi state chairman of the youth Congress
has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to prioritize the dredging of river Niger to activate water transportation for economic development.
Speaking at a press conference in Lokoja on Tuesday, the North Central leader and kogi state chairman of the youth Congress Comrade Alfa Ebune, said water transportation has become necessary to decongest highways and also reduce incessant accidents on the roads.
According to him, aside the economic value of water transportation , the Nigeria roads that often got dilapidated as a result of heavy duty vehicles will be minimized, noting that the huge amount of money spent annually on road rehabilitation can be channelled to other sectors to boost the nation economy.
“Waterways transportation would no doubt improve economy and living standard of people living along riverine areas. Again we are not unaware of the concerted effort being put in place by President Muhammadu Buhari in ensuring that Ajaokuta Steel Company commence operation very soon.
“Water transportation will no doubt add impetus to the operations and activities of the largest steel industry in Africa and that is why we are earnestly and respectfully appealing to the federal government to emphasize on operationalization of the water transportation so that the potential abound in the sector can be optimally harness to improve the living standard of Nigerians” he said.
He commended the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Dr
George Moghalu for his tireless effort aimed at repositioning the authority that earned him numerous awards.
“We believe on the capacity of the Managing Director in turning NIWA to an international standard. Dr Moghalu is a very hard working personality and we want to say without any fear of contradictions that Mr President has the right man on the Job.
“He is always available to attend to official and other issues that relate to corporate social responsibility of the organization and it is on record how NIWA has really impacted greatly on Kogi communities since he assumed office as the Chief Executive of the organization and that is why we will never be tired of commending him” he said
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