The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has promised to set plans in motion to build a multi-million naira jetty in the Badagry area of Lagos State in order to drive water transportation.
George Moghalu, managing director of NIWA, who disclosed this in Lagos on Sunday when he visited the palace of the Akram of Badargy, De Wheno Aholu Menu Tovi 1, assured that NIWA was doing everything in its power to improve the inland waterways, as there were a lot of economic benefits in the sector for Nigeria.
“We need to do more to develop our waterways in order to take the pressure off the road. We are also very much concerned with safety and have taken measures to ensure that all our captains are qualified, well trained and licensed. No one would be allowed onboard boats and ferries without wearing a life jacket,” he said.
Moghalu, who made the visit on the sideline of the closing ceremony of a two-day training workshop on ‘safe handling of small crafts for ferry operators and services on inland waterways’ held in Badagry in conjunction with Simtop Ventures, expressed happiness at the large turnout, as well as the choice of the community for the training.
READ ALSO: Rising oil price: The gains, pains for Nigeria
He thanked Simtop Ventures for putting together the programme and urged everyone to help build the water transport industry.
“The only way to decongest our roads and seaports is through the waterways, and I hope that the trainees put the training to good use, in ensuring that no life is lost on the waterways again. Also, this programme will not be a one-time event, it will be continuous,” he assured.
The Oba, who spoke through Bale of Topo Community, Chief Abose, thanked NIWA MD and appreciated the effort of NIWA in organising the workshop as well as its role in making inland waterways a safe means of transportation in Lagos.
He advised that the workshop should be organised at least, twice a year to sensitise the people more on the issues of safety and opportunities in the sector.
He also suggested that more Jetties should be built in locations such as Topo and Ajido community to ease the stress of people going all the way to Marina before boarding or alighting from a ferry.
Sarat Lara Braimah, Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, thanked the participants for taking advantage of the opportunity presented by the workshop to gain more knowledge on water transportation.
She assured that there would be a new jetty in Badagry by this time next year.
