NIWA targets movement of 1000 containers from Lagos to Onitsha river port in 4 days

By Seun Ibiyemi

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has indicated interest to engage the services of Akewa Colmar Terminal Limited (ACTL) to move containers from Lagos Ports to Onitsha River Port via Burutu Port in Delta State.

NIWA explained that plans  targetted to move about 1,000 containers to be hauled per trip from Lagos Ports to Onitsha River Port within the maximum duration of 4 days.

According to a statement on Wednesday, the move was in an effort to make Onitsha River Port functional, and to decongest the Lagos Ports.

The statement was signed by Jibril Darda`u, General Manager, Corporate Affairs NIWA.

The idea of hauling containers via Burutu Ports to Onitsha River port is to deliberately avoid the two small bridges of Gbarekolo and Bumandi.  Because the two bridges are too tiny and shallow for sea moving badges or vessels to ply through, that is why the company (ACTL) is considering the route from Lagos Ports to Burutu Port then to Onitsha River Port as final destination.

The Managing Director of NIWA Chief Dr. George Moghalu disclosed that NIWA was quoted saying the agency is targeting about 1,000 containers to be hauled per trip from Lagos Ports to Onitsha River Port within the maximum duration of 4 days.

The MD also added that NIWA is engaging Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and other stakeholders to facilitate the commencement of the cargo haulage.

Earlier, the Chairman of Akewa Colmar Terminal Limited (ACTL) Chief Kenneth Donye during the proposal defense at NIWA Liaison Office Abuja before the Management team of NIWA, expressed the readiness of his company to partner with the agency in carrying out this noble and historic transshipment from Lagos Ports via Burutu Port to Onitsha River Port as final destination.