Minister of Transportation Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amechi, has said that Federal Government is committed to making Onitsha River Port Functional, just as it is addressing the outlined constrains of the National Inland Waterways to enable the country fully exploit and enjoy that mode of transportation, just as it is .
He said that it is in cognizance of that importance of that means of transportation that the government intends to develop the Inland Waterways with private sectors, States and Local Governments.
Rt. Hon. Amechi disclosed this in an address he presented at the 9th Edition of ‘The Perspective’ an annual Lecture Series of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture, ONICCIMA, held at Archbishop C.J Patterson International Auditorium, All Saints Cathedral Onitsha Anambra state.
He further stated that in order to sustain Nigeria’s economic growth through Port Reforms, a good regulatory framework must be laid down by the relevant agencies of the Government as well as the Private sector. He added that a comprehensive legal framework, financial and monetary policies should be firmly established to be observed by all and sundry in the business industry and that the Onitsha River Port must be functional to help drive the economic hub of the business community in the country.
The Minister who was represented by Mrs. Nko Esuabana, an Executive Director in National Inland Waterways, Federal Ministry of Transportation said “the hazard of freighting goods through the hazardous road network, from Lagos to Onitsha market could be unimaginable, but business men especially from Onitsha and Southeast in general experience such every day”.
“Government will also provide for the technical and safety regulations of the National Inland Waterways, promote inter-modalism in transport sector, and facilitate the conclusion of agreement with foreign governments and international organization for the improvement, development and encouraging cooperation within ECOWAS region, for adoption of common standards, safety practices and interconnection for National Inland Waterways.
“Security of the port and conducive environment should be the hallmark for the efficient and effective administrative management of the port, and my Ministry will continue to encourage and cooperate with Anambra state for the participation and growth of Onitsha Chamber of commerce for the continuous growth of the industry”.
Earlier in his welcome address, President of ONICCIMA, Mr. Uche Apakama said ‘The Perspective was created as a forum that will become a truly rallying points for generating critical and evidence based solution to the developmental problems stunting the socio-economic growth and opportunities of Nigeria.
“The theme for the 9th edition of ‘The Perspective’ “Sustenance of Nigeria’s Economic Growth through Port Reforms: Case of Eastern Ports” was carefully selected and appropriate and sound resource persons invited to handle them.
Vanguard……
This page has been viewed 172 times
Tags : Breaking news