Speaking in Lagos two days ago at a stakeholder’s forum organized by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), President Goodluck Jonathan said that the Federal Government has wrapped up the Lower River Niger dredging program (572 km), from Warri in Delta State to Baro in Niger State.
He added that concerted efforts are being put in place for sustainable channel management arrangement in partnership with the private sector.
Jonathan also disclosed that the Federal Government has approved the dredging of River Benue, and the process for the award of contract for the construction of Markurdi River Port is in progress.
The president assured that the river ports, when completed, would be concessioned to private operators to drive efficiency.
The government has no doubt that this vision will encourage increased private sector participation that would result to return on investment, he concluded.
[mappress]
August 14, 2014