Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, launched the maintenance dredging of the River Niger from Ajaokuta to Onitsha on Friday, saying that it will promote multi-modal transport and cheaper coastal services across twenty eight states of Nigeria.
Speaking at the flag off ceremony, Amaechi commended the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority NIWA, Boss Mustapha, for mobilizing dredgers to carry out the smooth navigation of badges and vessels on the waterways.
He also added that the dredging, apart from enhancing economic activities in the host communities, would also lead to increased social activities in the communities.
Amaechi described River Niger as very important and strategic channel that links the Northern region to the Southern region of the country.
The Managing Director of NIWA, Mr Boss Mustapha, said that the maintenance dredging on Ajaokuta-Onitsha channel had become necessary to enhance the conduct of businesses on the river.
He also said that the NIWA possess the necessary manpower and technical knowhow to execute the project through direct labour.
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