Research group advocates comprehensive waterways dredging

The maritime group, under the auspices of the Sea Empowerment and Research Centre, has stressed the need for the development of a comprehensive dredging plan as well as sustainable water hyacinth management to maintain navigable waterways to grow the nation’s blue economy.

The Head of Research at SEREC, Mr. Eugene Nweke, stated this in a letter to the Chairman of the Committee on the Review of Incessant Boat Mishaps on Nigerian Waterways sighted by The PUNCH.

Nweke maintained that the committee has a strategic role in stemming the tide of boat accidents on Nigerian inland waterways, adding that it is essential to consider the inland waterways across the nation, especially in the northern and central regions.

He noted that a sustainable water hyacinth management strategy balances the needs for commercial boat operations with environmental concerns.

Nweke, who is also a former president of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, also harped on the need to conduct a thorough assessment of the water topographic challenges affecting inland waterways and a need to develop strategies to mitigate the problems.

“There should be training and adequate provision of resources to the NIWA workforce to enhance their capacity and expertise in managing the inland waterways. The nation should also ensure that the new boats introduced as part of the phasing-out of wooden boats meet the required safety standards and specifications,” Nweke said.

He advised that the committee’s recommendations should prioritise the safety and viability of commercial boat operations in the inland waterway transport system, “while also taking into account the unique challenges and opportunities in the different regions, the present workforce of NIWA, and environmental concerns.”

Nweke reiterated that by considering these factors and developing a comprehensive plan, “the committee can provide informed and practicable solutions to reduce accidents on the waterways to the barest minimum, as envisioned by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.”

He emphasised that the committee should do a thorough job with this crucial assignment, adding that maritime stakeholders are expectant and desirous of positive changes in the NIWA administration’s responsiveness and operational narratives.

Meanwhile, he posited that the committee may reconsider the 21-day timeline given to it by the minister and request a month timeline in a bid to cover the broad scope of its activities.

“The committee may also need to look into the reports and recommendations of similar previous committees; it may help to fast-track its assignment,” he advised.