The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is proposing N6.6bn for the development of water transportation in 2021.
The Managing Director of NIWA, Dr. George Moghalu, stated this on Tuesday during the organisation’s budget defense session, organised by the Senate Committee on Marine Transportation.
- 2021 Budget: Reps reject 4 agencies’ proposals for failing to remit 25% IGR
- 2021 Budget: Reps Chide gov’t agency for proposing N1m for headquarters building
He said the N6.6bn capital component of the agency’s 2021 budget was essential to the completion of all ongoing projects and enhance revenue generation.
Moghalu said the agency could not achieve actual project implementation in 2020 as a result of the delay in capital releases occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He, therefore, appealed to the Senate to put necessary legislation in place to help the agency develop and boost inland waterways in Nigeria.
“In line with the economic recovery growth plan of President Muhammadu Buhari, the authority reiterates its determination, now more than ever, to upscale the development of inland water transportation in Nigeria.
“I, therefore, seize this opportunity to appeal to the Senate to use your good offices to ensure and facilitate a conducive financial and legal environment that would provide the boost needed for NIWA to achieve its full potential,” he added.
