NIWA begins Test Run on Moving Containers to Onitsha River Port * Says full operation of River port will boost economic activities in  South East

NIWA begins Test Run on Moving Containers to Onitsha River Port

* Says full operation of River port will boost economic activities in  South East

By Udeme Clement :

The National Inland Waterways Authority has commenced test running of moving containers from Onne Port to Onitsha River port recently.

According to the Managing Director/CEO of National Inland Waterways Authority Chief Dr. George N. Moghalu during the arrival of the containers from Onne at Onitsha River Port, he 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”.

He said, “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”.

NIWA is giving exemplary leadership to all investors that moving goods on the waterways is economically viable and safe, so that investors can key in and benefit the potentials of water transportation.

The Managing Director also added that  part of his commitments since he assumed duty as MD is to ensure that the Onitsha port is fully functional after 42 years of construction and commissioned in 2012 but has not been put to use.

According to  Jibril Darda’u, the
Ag. General Manager, Corporate Affairs, the exercise is in preparation of full official operation of the port which will commence by first quarter of 2021.

The Managing Director also said,  “There is no doubt that full operation of the River port will boost Economic activities in Anambra State and south east, create jobs and wealth for our teaming youths, reduce bottleneck in clearing goods and save money wasted in transporting containers from different ports to the South East, decongest our ports in Lagos to reduce the pressure on our roads”.
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