Maritime agencies in the country have resolved to work together for the purpose of putting the nation’s water ways into effective use to improve the economy of the country and the safety of Nigerians.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting of heads of the nation’s maritime agencies at its third monthly meeting held at the National Inland Waterways (NIWA) headquarters in Lokoja, Kogi state, on Friday, the Managing Director of NIWA, Dr. George Moghalu, said the chief executives of the agencies had deliberated extensively on issues relating to maritime security and safety, capacity building and training and how to evolve policies to better the maritime industry.
“In the meeting, we looked at ways through which we can harmonise all maritime operations in Nigeria; we also looked at issues of movement of cargoes from Lagos to Onitsha port and other ports within the country.
“We have resolved to collaborate together to ensure that the aspect of water transportation is brought to fruition. We want it to start working because it will impact positively on the economy of the country as it will reduce pressure of Nigeria roads,” he said.
On the incessant boat mishaps in the country, Moghalu blamed boat operators on the non-compliance to rules and regulations laid down by the agency to protect the life and property of the water ways users.
He advised those fond of flouting the safety guidelines to have a rethink in the interest of Nigerians, and warned that henceforth offenders would be made to face the full wrath of the law to serve as deterrent to others.
Also speaking, the executive secretary, Nigeria Shippers Council, Barrister Hassan Bello, disclosed that the Council had introduced Public Private Partnership (PPP) in its operations to address the maritime security problems.
“The federal government aside the PPP arrangement has also introduced Deep Blue project to address issues of security on the water ways and we are optimistic that through these effort and collaboration the Council will improve in its operation,” he said.
