Barely one month after the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo was bombarded with questions during a town hall meeting in Awka, the Amanbra State Cpaital, at the end of his working visit to some manufacturing giants spread in Nnewi over the delay in the operationalization of Onitsha port, indications have emerged that all is set for the deal.
Business Hilights recalls that former administration, under President Goodluck Jonathan reconstructed the Onitsha port at the value of N4bn but failed to concession it due to reasons that were veiled.
Getting to more than two years into this administration, the port has clocked four year since its reconstruction was completed.
But the good news is that the Managing Director of Nigeria Inland Waterway Authority (NIWA), Mallam Boss Mustapha has confirmed the receipt of certificate of compliance from the Infrastructure Concession Regulation Commission (ICRC) to go ahead with the concessioning process.
No doubt, the concessioning will allow for private sector management and trigger improved utilisation of the inland waterways for transportation and easy conveyance of goods.
During his latest visit to Onitsha River Port, he was impressed with the state of the cargo handling equipment and other facilities. He therefore promised to accelerate the process of completion of the concession of the port.
Other ports coming on stream as soon as possible include the Oguta River Port, Warri Dockyard, and two jetties in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.
