The Nigerian Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank has sought for partnership with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for the utilisation of the Baro Port in its efforts to boost facilitation of trades and evacuation of goods in the country.
NEXIM Bank’s MD, Abba Bello made the request on Tuesday when he and his team paid a courtesy call on the Managing Director of NIWA, Chief George Moghalu, at NIWA’s Area Office, Abuja.
- PODCAST: How refusal to use pedestrian bridges costs many Nigerian lives
- Corruption leaks: Pressure mounts on Buhari to probe Bagudu, Obi, others
“It is in one of our facilitation responsibilities that we now saw the need to help improve in the evacuation of goods and services and we saw the opportunities in the inland waterways. That gave rise to putting sea transportation and logistics companies on the ground which we christened Sealink,” he said.
He said the Bank had already sought partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals which has granted approval for the utilisation of its jetty in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, adding that it is seeking the partnership of NIWA to utilize the waterways when the jetty becomes operational by early next year.
“There is also the Baro Port, which we hope you will graciously allow access to use when we are operational. Either through a partnership or you lease, but any option that will be beneficial will be welcome by us,” he said.
Responding, NIWA’s MD expressed delight with the visit and assured him of NIWA’s readiness to collaborate with the bank.