The Federal Government on Tuesday in Abuja inaugurated a committee to drive sustainable ferry transport system in the Nigeria Delta.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Minister of Regional Development, Mr Abubakar Momoh, said the Niger Delta Ferry Services Project would enhance transportation system in the region.
He added that the project would reduce travel time, promote regional integration, and unlock new economic opportunities for millions of residents within the Niger Delta region.
“I am glad that today, we are here to witness the inauguration of the committee that will drive the process,” he said.
Speaking in the same veins, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun
said the region is surrounded by rivers, lakes, and even springs,” hence the need for the ferry services to connect the communities.
“So, we need to have a transportation system that speaks to that specific reality,” he said.
The Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, said the commission would collaborate with the ministry to ensure that the entire process is seamless.
Represented by Ezeja Chidiebere of the commission, Ewalefoh said that ICRC is fully committed to seeing the project to fruition.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in Regional Development ministry, Mary Ogbe explained that the Niger Delta ferry services project was conceived under a public-private partnership arrangement.
Ogbe said that the project approval marked a significant policy milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to improve mobility, trade and economic activities in the riverine and coastal settlements.
She said the initiative was in alignment with the ministry’s broader vision of promoting inclusive regional growth, infrastructural development and sustainable livelihoods in line with President Bola Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports members of the committee included, the Permanent Secretary, some Directors from the ministry, representatives from ministries of Finance, Budget, Blue Economy and the ICRC among others.(NAN)
