At Last, NIWA Begins Concession Process For Onitsha Port, Decries Baro Access Road
The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Dr George Moghalu has given a strong indication that a strategic process is ongoing for the emergence of the preferred concessionaire of Onitsha River Port.
Recall that the process had remained stalled since the build up to 2015 general elections, but became completely abandoned immediately former President Goodluck Jonathan lost the presidential election.

Since the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s first term, South East Business Leaders had been clamouring for the activation of the Port complex for ease of shipping business. Only last month, the South East Chamber of Commerce, rose from its Annual General Meeting in Onitsha and called for activation of the infrastructure.

However, whereas the revelation made by Dr Moghalu on the ongoing concessioning process may be cheering news for business owners in the region, there are fears over the secrecy clouding the entire process as nobody has seen any newspaper publication or adverts calling for interested bidders to express interest.

NIWA boss had addressed journalists in Lagos during a recent stakeholders’ summit with operators in dredging, inland waterways transportation and other related activities on how best to develop the sector under his watch.
According to him, “Concessioning is a process and not an action, and so it will not augur well if a name is put out and at the end of the day, the person will not meet the criteria.”

He was quick to make it clear that whereas both Onitsha and Baro Ports were completed, and ready for effective use, he explained that just as the process of getting a credible concessionaire is holding back Onitsha, access road to Baro Port remains a key drawback in Niger State.

He averred that “The concessioning of the Onitsha River Port has started and we will be travelling to the Port of Antwerp for due diligence.

“Within my one year of stay, I want to make water transport the choicest transport in the country, and with the support of stakeholders, it can be achieved”, he further said, highlighting that the concessioning is to reduce to the barest, Government’s involvement in the management of the ports,” NIWA chief executive noted.

celeiyke:
They should re-position the port, The positioning didn't consider second Niger bridge

sapientia:
Please, I don't really understand port terms.

What does the action mean?

okpalaAnambra:
Onitsha port can not contain any vessel,..that river is shallow, too shallow...just passed through the bridge and see dry lands there with shallow water..let's focus on Calabar port

okpalaAnambra:
Onitsha port can not contain any vessel,..that river is shallow, too shallow...just passed through the bridge and see dry lands there with shallow water..let's focus on Calabar port

Anambralstson:

They know better than you, Julius Berger has been using the port, they are using cargo barge

Below are cargo barges

okpalaAnambra:

Nothing like they know Better,..they know nothing and fg knows too...that's why no one gives a serious Bleep about that two cups of water

Anambralstson:

I feel your pain and Jealous

Ayo8:
Who will sail a river barge laden with million $$ goods through the dangerous creeks of niger-delta..??

okpalaAnambra:

Nothing like they know Better,..they know nothing and fg knows too...that's why no one gives a serious Bleep about that two cups of water

ejanla077:


I feel ur envy...

River niger have capacity for ocean-going vessels if dredged.

Ayo8:
Who will sail a river barge laden with million $$ goods through the dangerous creeks of niger-delta..??

iammo:




Concessioning or not, unless all the Second Niger Bridge pillars are completely casted the River Port cant be functional as the river has being partialy blocked, however since the bridge is due for completion in 2022 i see the water channels being freed late this year or early 2021

at least Anambra village can now have something to atleast chestbeat with and compete with Ondo State..

Anambralstson i hope you tell you weird dressing governor you need an Airport preferably cargo airport too


.

okpalaAnambra:

Dredged u say? When they're eastern ports like Calabar and onne which aren't fully utilized...

River Niger is dry and can't function even if dredged

okpalaAnambra:

You're 100% ignorant..where do u think the vessels will even come in from, if at all in your dreams that vessels can bath in that dry river, lol

okpalaAnambra:

Dredged u say? When they're eastern ports like Calabar and onne which aren't fully utilized...

River Niger is dry and can't function even if dredged

Anambralstson:

You are plan Ignorant, nothing dey your big head

Anambralstson:

From those in charge not empty head like you, I understand you are jealous
https://niwa.gov.ng/onitsha-river-port-an-untapped-gold-mine-fg/

okpalaAnambra:

I won't insult u son, because you have no sense oo...and sure u did not go to the university of not u will understand better,... A dry river like that one can't contain large vessels, coconut head..u think say na canoe ? Or flying boat..lol

okpalaAnambra:

You're 100% ignorant..where do u think the vessels will even come in from, if at all in your dreams that vessels can bath in that dry river, lol

Anambralstson:

Otondo I can't remember writing large vessels in my post, google the meaning of barge empty head

okpalaAnambra:

That's wishful thinking, I'm surprised u fell for it..no wonder you're dumb, u can't think for your yourself...River Niger remains a River and not a sea shore or ocean and as such can't contain large vessels

ejanla077:


U re dumb bro. No offence