The Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Chief Dr. George Moghalu says all Maritime Agencies in the country are looking for ways to harmonize their operations.
Dr. Moghalu stated this in a chat with reporters at the end of All Heads of Maritime Agencies Monthly Meeting hosted by NIWA at the Authority’s Headquarters, Lokoja, Kogi State.
He said, the Meeting looked at issues concerning Maritime Security and Safety, received briefings from both NIMASA and NIWA and also the efforts made so far in the area of trade, development of manpower, enforcing the protocols to reduce the carnage on our Waterways, and the removal of wrecks which is being address by all the sister agencies in the country.
He further stated that, the meeting set up a committee on Multi-Model approach to Cargo delivery and that there was also briefing on Nigerian Railway Corporation for its support on Cargo movement from the ports to the dry Port especially in Kaduna.
According to him, there was update from the Director General, NIMASA on the deployment of a modular floating dock.
The committee also looked at the movement of Cargoes from Lagos Port to Onitsha River Port and other Ports within the Country putting to active use of the Waterways and also other related issues were deliberated
Earlier in his opening address, the NIWA boss said “it is very important for us in the Maritime Sector to have decided to setup a platform we can share ideas, synergize where we can contribute our quarter in developing polices and building the Maritime Industry.
“This is our Third meeting and is expected that this meeting will continue as we set issues that concern the Maritime Industry.”
“We will discuss to find solutions so that we can put them to use in our various establishments and at the same time bring solutions to the government at large”.
During questions and answers session on flooding sensitization, security and safety on the Waterways, the Dr. Moghalu said NIWA has a department that monitors flood and gives their report which is made available to other agencies so that people can be aware and take precaution.
“NIWA has also be running radio jingles and newspaper advertorials to sensitize the general public on flood disaster.”
Explaining further, he said government was conscious and making effort on security and also taking safety measures on “our Waterways so that it can have positive impact on the economy and image of the Country.”
The meeting was attended by Dr. Bashir Jamoh DG/CEO Nigerian Maritime and Administration & Safety Agency (NIMASA), Hassan Bello, the Executive Secretary Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Sam Nwakohu, Registrar Council for the regulation freight forwarding in Nigeria (C.F.F.N) and representatives of Nigerian Customs service and Nigerian Railways Corporation.
