The Federal Government has approved the construction of Inland
River Port in Lokoja, Kogi State, being one of the commercial centres along the Lower Niger.
Briefing newsmen on Wednesday after the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, said the contract was awarded gor N4,112,346,572.26 billion, with a completion period of 57 weeks.
Maku noted that when completed, “the project will open up the hinterland to the coastal ports and ease the process of evacuation of agricultural produce, petroleum products, bulk cargoes and also distribution of essential imports.”
Another project in the transport sector that received Council’s approval was the project for Sore Protection/Dredging Reclamation of land along the Niger.
According to Maku, the communities affected by erosion are mainly in Delta, Edo and Kogi States.
The contract for the reclamation was awarded in favour of Evomec Global Services Limited in the sum of N2,128,466, 655.00 with a completion period of eight months.
It is expected to generate 282 professional and non professional jobs.
“The project, when completed, will prevent continuous erosion of community lands and destruction of properties; ensure the restoration and reclamation of degraded berthing areas and community markets, create fresh employment opportunities; and enhance the effectiveness of Inland Water Transportation and promote socio-economic activities in affected communities,” the Minister of Transport, Senator Umar Idris, who briefed alongside Maku, said.
Sequel to another memo brought to Council, approval was given for the dredging of the channel along Orashi River from Oguta Lake in Imo State to Degema in Rivers State.
The contract was awarded for N2,028,600,000.00 billion.
It will cover 205 kilometres length and expected to be completed in 12 months.
The project, on completion, will improve transportation and commercial activities in the area.
It will generate no fewer than 90 professional and non-professional jobs.