The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has commissioned a 36-seater ferry boat at Yelwa-Yauri, Kebbi State.
George Moghalu, managing director of NIWA, thanked God for the opportunity to procure the 36-seater ferry boat on behalf of Senator Bala Ibn Na`Allah as part of his constituency project.
He acknowledged the kind support given to NIWA by the Yauri Emirate Council in fulfilling its official responsibilities even as he applauded the Senator for his commitment and desire to create the enabling environment for water transportation to grow.
“The importance of water transportation cannot be over emphasised because it facilitates the movement of both cargoes and personnel. It also helps to strengthen our economy and at the same time, enables tourism,” Moghalu stated in a statement signed by Jibril Darda`u, acting general manager, Corporate Affairs of NIWA.
He appealed to Kebbi State Government to encourage NIWA by assisting it to ensure companies, organisations and the public that are using NIWA’s Right of Ways, which is 100 metres perpendicular from the point of River, to pay their legitimate fees.
Senator Bala Ibn Na`Allah, who promised to bring more developments to his people, said the ferry being commissioned was just the beginning as two more ferries are on their way coming from Lagos and China.
In addition to Jetties built before in the Area, the Senator said that he was perfecting plans in conjunction with NIWA, to build a ferry terminal.
Muhammed Zayyanu Abdullahi, Emir of Yelwa-Yauri commissioned the new ferry for the use of his people and there was a boat ride in compliance with the Covid-19 safety protocols.
Earlier, Moghalu paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Yauri, where he raised three critical issues in the areas of litigations, clearing of water hyacinth/removal of wrecks and the development of the inland waterways for the optimum benefit of his people.
