NIWA installs N2.5bn cargo equipment in Baro River Port

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) said that it has completed the installation of new cargo handling equipment in Baro river port, Niger State.

Baro River Port, which is the flagship port in the North, will be commissioned in no distant time by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The contract for the River port, which was awarded in 2011/12 at a cost of N2,563,499,248.00 by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to Messrs CGGC Global Projects Ltd, was completed but abandoned before the current management resuscitated it for use.

Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora, managing director of NIWA, said at the weekend, that the river port, which is ready for commissioning, would soon start operation.

Mamora, who expressed satisfaction with the work progress, received assurance from the contractor that all the equipment will be ready in another one week or two. He commended the contractors for a job well done and the community for being a good host, even as he encouraged them to ensure the safety and security of the River Port.

“The equipment at the Port is first class and will bring glory not only to the community and the state but the entire nation.

Recall that Mamora directed the authority’s engineers to rehabilitate the access road to Baro Port in order to enable the contractors move their equipment to site and that has been achieved.

Meanwhile, Mamora while delivering a speech at the NIWA 2018 end of year party, which took place at the NIWA headquarters promised to improve staff Welfare. He said that the NIWA amendment Act is still with the National Assembly and all efforts are being made to ensure the successful passage of the Amendment Act.

The highlights of the event was the award of the best Area office which went to the Lagos Area office and best staff of the year 2018 that was given to Jethro John Jalgi, also from Lagos Area Office.

Also, three senior retired managers and one deputy were all honoured by the management and staff of the Authority. They include Festus Ojimba, former general manager Engineering Department; Elias Amago, general manager (Project Management and Special Duties); Bawa Zakari, former general manager, Audit and White, who until his retirement was deputy general manager (Marine).

In his response, on behalf of the retired general managers, Ojimba thanked the organisers for considering them worthy of being honoured while Jethro John Jalgi expressed gratitude to the management and staff of NIWA for recommending him as the best staff of the year 2018.

AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE