By Uzor Odigbo
National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) stakeholders meeting in Kogi has ended. And it was fruitful as the agency’s Director General, Dr. George Moghalu, latched on the opportunity to address all Maritime agencies in the country on ways to harmonize their operations.
Moghalu spoke to journalists at the end of all Heads of Maritime Agencies monthly meeting hosted by NIWA at the Authority’s Headquarters, Lokoja, Kogi State.
According to NIWA, the meeting looked at issues concerning Maritime Security and Safety, they received briefings from both NIMASA and NIWA and also the efforts made so far in the area of trade, development of manpower, enforcing the protocols to reduce the carnage on our waterways, and the removal of wrecks which is being address by all the sister agencies in the country.
He further stated that, the meeting set up a committee on Multi-model approach to Cargo delivery, there was also briefing on Nigerian Railway Corporation for its support on Cargo movement from the ports to the dry Port especially in Kaduna. There was also update from the Director General of NIMASA on the deployment of a modular floating dock.
The committee also looked at the movement of Cargoes from Lagos Port to Onitsha river port and other ports within the Country putting to active use of the waterways and also other related issues were deliberated.
Moghalu earlier in his opening address said “it is very important for us in the maritime sector to have decided to set up a platform we can share ideas, synergize where we can contribute our quarter in developing polices and building the maritime industry.
“This is our third meeting and is expected that this meeting will continue as we set issues that concern the maritime industry. We will discuss to find solutions so that we can put them to use in our various establishments and at the same time bring solutions to the government at large”.
During questions and answers session on flooding sensitization, security and safety on our waterways, he said NIWA has a department that monitors flood and gives their report which is made available to other agencies so that people can be aware and take precaution. NIWA has also be running radio jingles and newspaper advertorials to sensitize the general public on flood disaster. He further said government is conscious and making efforts on security and also taking safety measures on our waterways so that it can have positive impact on the economy and image of the Country.
The meeting was attended by all stakeholders in the maritime industry.
