The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), George Moghalu has said that he would engage the Federal government and Niger State over the rehabilitation of the road leading to Baro port.
It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had in January inaugurated the Baro Riverport, stating that the port would enhance intermodal transportation connectivity in the country, and would reduce pressure from big trucks on the road, including creating huge employment opportunities for Nigerians.
In a familiarisation tour of the Baro port on Tuesday, the MD of NIWA said he will partner the private sector to ensure the viability of the Baro River Port.
He said it was the importance he gave to the project that made him visit the port as his first choice in his familiarisation visit.
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The MD further stated that he was ready to partner with all government agencies, local and state governments and the private sector to make sure that Baro port becomes functional and create wealth for Baro community and Niger state people.
“I promise to discuss the issue of the road with both Niger State and the Federal government, and I assure you that the locals will be given priority when the port becomes fully operational,” the NIWA MD stated
He added that the railway lines at Baro will be brought back to life as he promised to visit the port again because of the importance of the port to the country.
The MD also disclosed that since the waterways hold great potentials, all hands must be on deck to develop and improve our waterways.