Jonathan inaugurates N4.6bln Onitsha Inland Water Port

According to him, there is the need to open up the country’s waterways to make trade and commerce easier as well as reduce the workload on the road ntework..

He reiterated his administration’s plan to give some fillip to rail and water transport, and urged the private sector to collaborate with the government to create jobs.

Jonathan lauded the government and people of Anambra for completing  the port.

The president pledged that his administration would not relent in its effort to deliver on its campaign promises.

He praised the prevailing peace in the South East, describing it as second to none in the country.

The Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar, said that the port, which cost N4.6 billion, was one of the numerous ports  the Federal Government was building.

Umar said that three inland water ports in Baro, Niger; Oguta, Imo, and Yamata, Kogi, would soon be completed and inaugurated.

He thanked the President and the Anambra governor,Peter  Obi, for supporting his ministry in developing water transport.

The Senate President, David Mark, promised to work harmoniously with the executive arm of government to develop the nation’s economy.

Mark, who was represented by Sen. Zainab Kure, urged synergy among the ministries to ensure quality budgeting, adding that the government would soon set up a board on deep sea water.

Mark hoped that the Baro Port would be inaugurated in the next 12 months.

Obi, who described Onitsha as the biggest commercial city in Africa, said that the inauguration of the port would make the movement of goods more efficient