The federal government on Tuesday inaugurated a committee to drive a sustainable ferry transport system in the Niger Delta.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh stated that the Niger Delta Ferry Services Project would enhance the transportation system in the region.

He added that the project would reduce travel time, promote regional integration, and unlock new economic opportunities for millions of residents within the Niger Delta region.

“I am glad that today, we are here to witness the inauguration of the committee that will drive the process,” he said.

Speaking in the same vein, Finance Minister Wale Edun
said the region is surrounded by rivers, lakes, and even springs, “hence the need for the ferry services to connect the communities.

“So, we need to have a transportation system that speaks to that specific reality.”

The director-general, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Jobson Ewalefoh, said the commission would collaborate with the ministry to ensure that the entire process is seamless.

Represented by Ezeja Chidiebere of the commission, Mr Ewalefoh said ICRC is fully committed to seeing the project to fruition.

Earlier, the permanent secretary in the regional development ministry, Mary Ogbe, explained that the Niger Delta ferry services project was conceived under a public-private partnership arrangement.

Ms Ogbe said the project approval marked a significant policy milestone in the federal government’s efforts to improve mobility, trade, and economic activities in the riverine and coastal settlements.

She said the initiative aligned with the ministry’s broader vision of promoting inclusive regional growth, infrastructural development, and sustainable livelihoods in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The committee included the permanent secretary, some directors from the ministry, representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Budget, Blue Economy, and the ICRC, among others.

(NAN)