Mr Oyebamiji said the revitalisation was aimed at restoring the port’s economic relevance and enhancing trade, transportation, and connectivity in the region.
The National Inland Waterways Authority has banned all unauthorised boat loading points across the country.
The NILDS DG highlighted how countries such as Singapore, Norway, and the United States had strategically utilised marine resources to drive GDP growth.
Mr Oyebamiji said the bond was solely part of efforts to enhance safety on Nigeria’s waterways by reinforcing strict commitment to eradicating boat mishaps.
Mr Oyetola said the committee had 21 days to complete the review assessment assignment and submit a comprehensive report to the ministry.
He said that boat operations must not extend beyond 6:00 p.m.
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is seeking increased collaboration with state governments to enhance the safety and security of inland waterways transportation
Mr Oyebamiji said, “Preliminary findings by NIWA indicate that the wooden boat was travelling to the Katcha market in Niger State when it suddenly went under due to poor visibility.’’
Mr Oyebamiji noted that NIWA, while on routine water patrol, received a distress call about sand miners overtaken by rough tidal waves along the Calabar channel.
According to him, most of the accidents recorded on the waterways are with the wooden boats.
