Arewa professionals urge 19 northern governors to tap into economic potentials of River Niger, Benue

Lagos Assembly seeks amendment of NIWA Act

Concerned Arewa professionals have urged the 19 northern governors to tap into the economic potentials of River Niger and Benue for the benefit of the north and the nation in general.

Presenting a blueprint to the governors, the professionals under the umbrella of YG Consult and led by the co-ordinator, Gabriel Yakubu Aduku at a two-day conference organised by Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, said that members of the group were convinced that developing suitable projects along the rivers could lead to the transformation and modernisation of the cities, towns and villages along the rivers.

According to Aduku: “These projects include irrigation and hydroponic farming, modern and self-sustaining new towns and neighbourhood, aquaculture supported by extensive fish canning, water transportation, tourism and international water sports, development of inland ports, manufacturing park for renewable energy systems and livestock grazing supported by extensive meat processing facilities.”

He said that the group would facilitate the planning of the scheme and also develop the management of the projects in partnership with state and local councils as well as local and international investors.

In another development, Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the National Assembly to amend a section of the National Waterways Inland Authority (NIWA) Act of 2004, which gives it absolute control over waterways and all activities around 100 metres area of waterfronts across the states of the federation.

Moving a motion on the matter during a plenary yesterday, Chairman of the House Committee on Waterfronts Infrastructure, Gbolahan Yishawu, said that the section of the Act has considerably reduced the powers of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASTWA).Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, however, noted that the issue was long overdue and described it as a welcome development.