Zacchaeus Ozovehe, Lokoja.
Stakeholders in the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have expressed optimism that the Lokoja Inland Port upon completion, will unlock a lot of economic potentials in Kogi state and the country at large.
The Managing Director of NIWA Barrister Boss Mustapha made this known when Kogi state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello embarked on familiarisation tour on the site in Akpanya community, Lokoja.
Bello who belauded the state for being blessed in both human and mineral resources said his tour on the site was in line with the economic masterplan of President Muhammadu Buhari, who he said has vowed to unlock the erstwhile untapped economic potentials of the state and the country.
“Kogi state is so blessed with a lot of potentials, not only in the human resources and minerals but also in so many ways especially the waters. Here is a confluence that you can only found in Nigeria and indeed in Africa. As such, I have decided to come and take a tour on this site.
“Our government led by President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to unlock the potentials of Nigeria and indeed that of Kogi state. Nigeria Inland Waterways is one of it. The President having discovered the economic importance of this place, swung into action by deploying personnel to make this project see the light of the day”, the governor said.
His disclosed that on assumption of office, he personally wrote to the President concerning the Lokoja Inland Port, adding that his quick response has made the project to reach 60% completion according to the contractors. He assured the contractors that it is not the nature to award contracts without full payment President Muhammadu Buhari.
Earlier, the NIWA boss, Barrister Boss Mustapha who disclosed that the port spanned 80 hectares said a lot of investors have cited factories within the area in anticipation of the emerging inland port. He emphasised that with a sustained efforts of both the state and federal government, the project will be ready for commissioning before the year runs out.
While appreciating the efforts of the government for the project, the paramount ruler of Akpanya, the host community, Alhaji Musa Mundi appealed to Governor Bello make always make periodic tour on the site in order to asses the progress of the project. He equally appealed to the governor to provide electricity, school and other facilities which the monarch said have been lacking in the community.
