FG approves dredging of Calabar channel
(Nigeria )
President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the dredging of Calabar channel to
boost the economy of Cross
River and the country.
The Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar, made this known
when he received South-South and South-East traditional rulers led by Edmund
Daukoru, the Amanyanabo of Nembe, in Abuja on Tuesday, reports NAN.
Umar said the delay in the dredging of Calabar channel had
impacted negatively on the economic activities of
``The delay had also affected the economic fortunes of the
area and the entire country. Tinapa Resort, Calabar has been a little bit
dormant because of the non-functionality of the channel.
``At last the matter has been concluded and President
Goodluck Jonathan has graciously approved that work should commence at the
channel. The remaining part of the channel that has not been dredged will now
be dredged and the Calabar Channel Management Company will take charge of the
capital and maintenance,’’ he said.
The minister thanked the council on the approval granted by
the president for the commencement of work at the Calabar channel.
He said the present administration was determined to
transform the transport sector, saying that government had revitalised the
railway system, which had been out of operation for two decades.
The minister said that the Federal Executive Council had
approved development of additional deep seaports which included Lekki, Badagry,
Ibaka and Warri seaports, in an effort to improve the maritime sector.
He said the present administration recognised the support
and continuous cooperation of the council of traditional rulers.
Earlier, Daukoru commended the Federal Government over the
contract, and described the approval of the presidency as gratifying news.
According to the monarch, the economic significant of the
award of the contract is enormous.
“The Calabar port is of strategic importance because it
links Port Harcourt , Warri and Lagos and any effort made to open up the port
will improve the country’s economic growth. Any kind of maritime activities in Cross River
generally will be of immediate benefit to the entire geo-political zone,’’ he
said.
It was learnt that the delay was caused by some
controversial issues surrounding the award of the dredging contract since 2005.
Comments
Post a Comment