Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.

National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has called on international and local investors to participate in the development of the estimated 10,000 navigational routes across the country.

In her speech during the inauguration of the Board of Directors of the National Inland Waterways Authority at the headquarters of the authority held in Lokoja, on Tuesday, the Chairperson of the Board, Senator Binta Masi Garba, said Nigeria is richly blessed with an over 10, 000 kilometers of waterways.

Senator Masi disclosed that only 30% of the vast resource, about 3,800 km, are navigable all the year-round, the authority would have to look inward and therefore invite foreign and local investors to participate in ensuring the implementation of the policy of providing an alternative mode of transportation for the evacuation of goods and passengers.

According to Board Chairperson, all hands must be on deck to complement the efforts of the past and present leadership of the authority, suggesting that dialogue and collaboration with relevant agencies share ideas and experiences to discuss solutions.

” We will from time to time bring stakeholders, Operators, multilateral agencies, and Academics to discuss solutions.” Senator Masi said.

She, therefore, solicited the cooperation and support of the MD/CEO and the board members in the course of developing the Inland Waterways for safe navigation in the country.