Minister Unveils Nigerian Navy’s Navigational Charts for Inland Waterways Development
The Federal Ministry of Transportation in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, on Thursday, unveiled navigational charts for the lower River Niger.
This is aimed at boosting the development of inland waterways in Nigeria, PRNigeria gathered.
The charts, designed to provide detailed information on the depth of the lower Niger River, the location of navigational hazards, and other important features of the waterway, were unveiled at the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, Conference Centre, in Abuja.
They were produced by the Nigerian Navy’s Hydrographic Unit, in collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
The project was funded by the Nigerian Export Import (NEXIM) Bank and African Export Import (AFREXIM) Bank in partnership with Sealink Consortium.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo said the unveiling of the navigational charts is a significant step towards the development of the Nigerian waterways.
He said the charts would provide crucial information for safe and efficient navigation on the lower River Niger, which is an important trade route in the country.
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“The navigational charts will provide accurate information on the depth of the waterways, the location of underwater obstacles, and other important information needed for safe navigation,” Sambo said.
He added that the government is committed to promoting trade and investment in the country, and that the navigational charts would play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
In his remark, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, said the designed charts are crucial towards the exploitation of the vast strategic reserve of mineral resources along the Lower Niger Basin, with great prospects for Nigerian’s economic diversification.
“Today is yet another testimony to the resolve of the Federal Government towards evolving comprehensive mechanisms to emplace sustainable infrastructure through Public Private Partnership collaborations.”
On his part, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, while praising the initiative, noted that it would help to reduce the cost of doing business along the lower River Niger and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.
“This project is coming as an important operating system to adopt water transportation for transporting heavy-duty containers that have been affecting and damaging our road networks.
“With the charts now available to all stakeholders, it is expected that the lower River Niger will become an even more attractive destination for businesses and investors”.
By PRNigeria
