Nigeria’s quest for socio-economic development will today in Lokoja, receive a  boost, as President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua is scheduled to perform the official flag-off of the dredging of River Niger.

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Based on the directive of the Minister of Transport, Alhaji Ibrahim Isa Bio, during an inspection visit to the site of the dredging penultimate Saturday,  contractors handling the project have commenced the dredging and today’s flag-off is  ceremonial.

The Federal Government, represented by  former Minister of Transportation, Mrs. Deziani Allison-Madueke, had signed a N34.8 billion contract for the dredging of the lower Niger, which covers about 572 Kilometers from Warri in Delta State, to Baro in Niger State, on December 1, 2008.

The project was divided into five Lots and awarded to four contractors to ensure timely completion. The contractors have demonstrated their commitment to completing the project on schedule by mobilising all  necessary equipment needed to site.Bio had expressed satisfaction with the level of equipment  mobilised to site by the contractors and assured that government would do everything to ensure the project is completed within stipulated time.

While inspecting the project sites of Messrs William Lloyd and Van Oord, Bio said when completed, the project will open up all the towns and communities along the river for increased social and economic activities, as not less than three inland ports are being constructed to complement the project.

Also, the Federal Govern-ment has approved the siting of a Naval base in Banda, Lokoja, and two other locations, to take care of maritime security, which is expected to increase when the ports become operational.

Addressing reporters in Lokoja,  Project Manager of Van Oord, Mr. Tim Helbo,  the Contractor handling Lots three and four which runs from Onitsha through Idah, to Jamata in Lokoja, which forms the bulk of the project, said  equipment for the dredging were moved from Port Harcourt on July 31, under heavy military security and got to Onitsha on August 15, before finally arriving Lokoja on August  25.

A good one i wld say, if only Yar adua can achieve this, He wld have achieved at least a thing.

This is no achieve.

Hmm, that's good, let's hope its carried through.