NIGERIA's Federal Government has plan to promote the transportation of containers via barge, extending from the Onne port and other Eastern ports into the hinterlands, reports the Lagos Vanguard.
Federal Ministry of Transportation and permanent secretary Magdalene Ajani disclosed this during a recent assessment visit to the Onne port in Rivers State.
The Onne port is currently under the management of the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT).
Dr Ajani emphasised the necessity for collaboration between the National Inland Waterways Authority, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Boat and Barge Operators Association.
This collaboration aims to establish a coordinated approach for moving containers using barges from their current location to the hinterlands, she said.
While commending the significant efforts made by WACT in creating a world-class work environment within the port that adheres to international standards.
However, she highlighted a fundamental challenge impeding the smooth evacuation of goods from the port, which is the condition of certain sections of the access road from Eleme Junction to Onne Port.
Nonetheless, she assured that the government is committed to providing solutions to this issue in the near future.
from: shippingazette