Federal government has commissioned 15 boats of different capacities to boost water transportation in Kogi State and other parts of the country.
During the ceremony at the National Inland Water Authority (NIWA’s) headquarters in Lokoja, the minister of marine and blue economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the commissioning of the boats was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
According to him, the maritime sector plays a strategic role in the nation’s economy. He added that the present administration is fully committed to ensuring that the waterways are well utilised in cargo shipment and passenger transportation.
“Of 15 boats we commissioned today, it comprises three 150 horsepower to ensure that NIWA police officers are more visible. We also have five boats with double scintillating horsepower to enforce safety rules and regulations. Another is one gun patrol boat, combat-ready with five horsepower for an emergency response to security threats and a 162-seater passenger boat as a pilot scheme to replace the wooden passenger cannon,” he said.
He also commissioned three fully equipped water ambulances to respond promptly to emergencies. “The inauguration of these projects further fulfils our commitment to ensuring that our in-land waterways are well utilised for cargo shipment and passenger transportation,” he added.
He said, “As a ministry, we will continue to create an enabling environment, develop policies, and offer the necessary support to grow the inland waterways segment of the maritime sector in line with President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
“In line with the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, we will continue to pursue vigorously the development of the shipping and maritime-related sectors to ensure sustainable development in our marine resources”.
The minister called on the private sector to explore and utilise the opportunity in the maritime industry for possible investment and partnership with the government to enhance growth and ensure sustainable development.
In his welcome remarks, the managing director/chief executive officer of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, recalled that three fatal boat accidents were recorded in different locations of the country, adding that it has made them look inward to avert future occurrences.
“We recorded not less than three fatal boat accidents on the waterways in different locations, challenging us for an emergency response strategy. We also discovered a gap in our approach to enforcement on the waterways. Today, we are here to officially launch boats for public use, which will help regulate the conduct of passengers and provide a framework in water transportation,” he stated.
In his address, Kogi State governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by his deputy Joel Salifu Oyibo, disclosed that the state will continue to embrace President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
