NIWA commences test run on moving containers to Onitsha river port.
National Inland Waterways Authority has commence test running of moving containers from Onne Port to Onitsha River port .
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Acting General Manager, corporate Affairs, Alhaji Jibril Darda’u,On Thursday and made available to Newsmen in Lokoja.
Moghalu, while speaking during the arrival of containers from Onne at Onitsha River port said.
“the aim of the test run is to break the jinx and encourage partnership with the Barge Operators Association that is possible to move containers from Onne to Onitsha by water successfully and Onitsha to Onne as well”.
This is the first phase of the test run and the second phase will be from Lagos Ports to Onitsha River port and Onitsha to Lagos”. he said.
He maintained that NIWA is setting up a good exemplary leadership to all investors that moving goods on the waterways is More economically viable and safe, and appealed to investors to key in and benefit the potentials of water transportation.
He explained that part of his commitment since he assumed office as the Managing Director is to ensure that the Onitsha port which was constructed 42 years ago and commissioned in 2012 become fully functional during his tenure.
The statement reads in part;
“This exercise is in preparation of the full official operation of the port which will commence by first quarter of 2021.
There is no doubt that when fully operational, the River port will boost Economic activities in Anambra State and south east, create jobs and wealth for our teaming youths, reduce bottle neck in clearing goods and save money wasted in transporting containers from different port to the south east, decongest our ports in Lagos and reduce the pressure on our roads”.the statement concluded.