By Meletus EZE
the Managing Director, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Sen. Olorunnimbe Mamora, ), has pledged to introduce measures that will make the nation’s inland waterways attractive for the movement of cargo and passengers.
Mamora made the pledge in Lokoja on Wednesday while formally assuming his new position.
He said that the country and the people stood to benefit tremendously from the inland waterways, if well managed.
He cited the present chaotic traffic situation on Oshodi-Apapa Expressway in Lagos as one of the reasons the inland waterways must be developed and made suitable for all-year round navigation.
Mamora said that Nigeria remained one of the few countries in the world with the highest number of road crashes due to over-dependence on roads.
According to him, this can be reversed by the developing the inland waterways.
The new Managing Director also said that conflicts with sister agencies would be resolved amicably, rather than resort to litigation.
He also promised to ensure the completion of the Lokoja inland port during his tenure.
He thanked the Acting Managing Director, Mr Danladi Ibrahim, for his services to the nation, urging him to remain committed to the organisation.
Mamora described himself as a team player, adding that his focus would be to improve on the situation he met on ground.
“This is a team event not a solo affair. Everybody is important in a team event and that is the way it is going to be under my tenure.”
He solicited for the understanding and support of the management and staff of NIWA and charged them to remain dedicated to their duties.
Earlier, Ibrahim listed his achievements within the period to include the procurement of cargo handling equipment for the Baro Inland port and the study tour of River Benue, the second longest river in the country.
Ibrahim said that the dredging of River Benue would soon commence, adding that construction works on 12 inland waterway ports across the country had reached different completion stages.
He the support and loyalty of the staff to the NIWA helmsman.
He further said that Mamora’s experience as a medical doctor and two-term senator, would assist him in his new assignment.
