The National Inland WaterWays Authority (NIWA) has laid the foundation of a modern passenger lounge and commissioned two 32-seater ferry boats at Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Speaking during the foundation-laying ceremony, the Managing Director NIWA, Chief Dr George Moghalu said the government of President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to make an impact on the people, adding that the economic potentials of the projects are quite enormous and will encourage the maritime ecosystem.
Moghalu, who said he once promised the Emir of Yauri to return to the emirate, assured that he will make sure the Yauri Emirate route that leads outside the country is made commercially viable.
He commended the senator representing Kebbi South, Sen. Bala Ibn Na Allah, for his efforts and commitment towards the project.
In his remark, Sen Bala Ibn Na Allah, the All Progressives Congress (APC) senator representing Kebbi South said the importance of the modern passenger lounge as well as the newly launched ferry boats were enormous.
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He said it would open Yauri to international markets through the use of inland water and it would also help to ensure quick response in terms of emergency rather than relying on canoes.
“With these boats, you can address emergency issues regarding health. We also have a boat ambulance there that can go across the river and convey sick people within the shortest possible time. This is how to open the inland waterways to ensure that people living by the river benefit from the intervention of the government.
“The modern passenger lounge will be a processing zone for those who want to engage in international travel within the comfort, so that the Immigration Service and Customs can do their jobs. They can board and then depart for Burkina Faso or Mali” he said.
The Emir of Yauri, Alhaji Muhammad Zayyanu-Abdullahi, while receiving Dr Moghalu in his palace, lauded the President Muhammadu Buhari administration for extending infrastructural development to his emirate.
He identified some of the projects executed by the current administration in the emirate to include road construction from Koko to Yauri and connecting Yauri alongside nine other LGAs with national grid, 33 KV line; the establishment of HYPADEC and appointment of an indigene of Yauri emirate as pioneer boss; the establishment of Ngaski Tomatoes Factory and the Federal College of Technical Education, Yauri.