By Tina Amanda
The President of the Admiralty Society of Nigeria, Angus Obinna Chukwuka, has called on the federal government and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to prioritize the dredging and maintenance of Nigeria’s waterways to boost maritime trade, tourism, and environmental safety.
Chukwuka stated this to our Correspondent in Port Harcourt and emphasized the significance of properly maintained waterways for the country’s maritime future.
He explained that dredged waterways allow for deeper navigation, accommodating larger vessels and facilitating more efficient maritime commerce, resulting in greater economic returns.
“Our waterways represent access to trade and tourism. A blocked waterway symbolizes a bleak maritime merchandise future and a poor tourism outlook.
“Waterways, when properly dredged become deeper and wider able to allow navigation of bigger and more vessels whether for commercial purposes, tourism and otherwise. This speeds up maritime business and yields greater profits”.
Beyond the economic impact, Chukwuka highlighted the environmental and safety benefits of keeping waterways clear of debris and wrecks.
“Clearing our waterways reduces dangerous inorganic and toxic wastes that poison sea animals and disrupt ecosystems.
“Apart from the waterways are cleared of debris, and wrecks and are therefore safer for goods and passenger conveyances. Dredging or clearing of our waterways culminates in the elimination of dangerous inorganic and or toxic wastes around our coastlines across the country.
“Such wastes contribute substantially to the poisoning and death of sea animals, and man the ultimate consumers as well as depletion of sea foods and disruption of the ecosystem”.
He also pointed out that clogged canals and drains contribute to devastating floods, like the recent incidents in Maiduguri and other cities, which displaced thousands and caused loss of lives.
Chukwuka called for a comprehensive dredging master plan implemented nationwide to ensure safer and more efficient waterways. He encouraged the government to collaborate with private sector investors through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to enhance the development of the sector.
“Proper licensing should be issued to deserving business operators to actualize the functions conferred by the NIWA Act,” he added.
He also stressed the need for citizens to avoid dumping waste into gutters and waterways, calling for stricter enforcement of waste disposal laws.
“Our waste management agencies must step up efforts to eliminate waste on coastlines and waterways. Including training of waste management personnel and the prosecution of violators”.
He urged the government to avoid awarding dredging contracts to political cronies who abandon projects.
“The task of dredging our waterways and clearing our coastlines affects our collective prosperity, safety, and sanity. It requires all hands on deck.”
“The Admiralty Society of Nigeria will continue to push for a cleaner and more navigable water system to support the country’s maritime and environmental well-being”.
Finally, the Admiralty Society President further disclosed that Rivers State will host an international Maritime conference in 2025. While noting that the conference will expose the huge maritime potential of the State to the global community.
