NIWA seeks navy’s help over insecurity on waterways

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) says security issues have become major challenges on Nigeria’s waterways, hence that the development requires quick and urgent intervention of the Nigerian Navy (NN).

The managing director of NIWA, George Moghalu, stated this while briefing reporters at the naval headquarters, Abuja, shortly after a meeting behind closed doors with the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral A. Z. Gambo.

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The NIWA boss specifically said adequate security was needed for the safe passage of cargoes between Lagos and Onitsha, noting that water transportation remained the best bet in the country despite the challenges.

Mr Moghalu said although the navy had been helping the agency in the area of growing security threats, it was expedient the personnel of the armed forces put more effort so as to make water transport a choice transportation system in the country.

He said, ‘’Yes, security is a major challenge. We have the NIWA police, we have the marine police, but one thing I can also give this government as a credit is that, this government is concerned about the issue of insecurity. Security is not a particular person’s business, it’s all our business, and it is what every agency is committed to.

“So, it is a major concern, and the navy has been quite supportive, the army, everybody has been quite supportive to make sure we have a safe operating environment.”

He further said, ‘’We also use this opportunity to request for support and encouragement from the navy with regards to the issue of providing us with security for the movement of cargoes between Lagos and Onitsha, and other towns.

‘’So, more or less, it’s like a collaborative meeting where we met to discuss issues that concern both organisations – both the naval headquarters and NIWA – all for the benefit of the average Nigerian.’’