The Federal Government yesterday released N8.3billion as contracts sum for the construction of a new inland river port in Kogi State and dredging of rivers in Imo and Delta States.
Minister of information, Mr. Labaran Maku said the new port in Jamata community in Lokoja, Kogi State is to cost
N4.1billion. He said the Jamata port has been awarded to Messrs Inter-Bau Construction Limited, with a completion period of 57 weeks.
According to him, the decision was a deliberate move by government to grow the economy through expansion of commercial activities and networking of ports to link major rivers in the country.
The project when completed, he added, will open up the hinterland to the coastal ports and ease the process of evacuation of agricultural produce, petroleum products, bulk cargoes and distribution of essential imports as well as increase employment generation.
The proposed construction of the Jamata river port in Jamata followed the completion of the River Niger dredging, while its scope of work include building of a warehouse, security post, staff quarters, power house and provision of other port equipment.
