NAN-H-27
Dredging
By Uche. Eletuo
Lagos, Nov. 13, 2016 (NAN) A maritime expert, Mr Chukwuemeka Agu, has advocated the dredging of Rivers Niger and Benue to enhance water transportation.
Agu, Deputy Director in charge of Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement with the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), made the call during interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Lagos on Sunday
He contended that the difficulty in navigating the two main rivers was hampering social mobility.
The maritime expert added that the rivers which crisis-crossed the nation’s hinterland could encourage social and economic activities if dredged.
“Inter-state transport and communal trade along the coastal lines which transverse over six states of the country can promote national integration and foster ties.
“With the dredging of the waterways, much pressure will be taken away from our roads as commodities from the coastal communities can get to city centres through the sea.
“Tourism is another area the dredging of the rivers can improve as many of the nation’s tourism sites can be reached through the coast line on boat’’, Agu said.
He noted that in Egypt where boat cruise had become a way of life, Nigerians could also enrich their life style with boat cruising.
According to him with good navigation lines across the states ferrying of persons, goods and services could be attractive as investors would be sure of returns on investments.
He added that the provision of alternative means of movement in the waterways would further provide jobs for the teeming idle seafarers that would likely take up transport jobs in the sector. (NAN)
EUC/ASS/IEA
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Edited by Saidu Adamu/Idahosa Asowata