Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Dr. George Muoghalu, has expressed concern over the slow pace of work on the Lamata River Port in Lokoja, Kogi State, several years after its contract was awarded.

The over N5b contract, which was awarded to Inter Bau Construction Limited with the Baro Port several years ago was abandoned by the contractor, even when the Baro Port had long been completed.

Muoghalu, who was on an assessment visit to the site, said the Federal Government would take steps to engage the contractors and relevant stakeholders to revive the project.

“We are here to see what can be done to save the government’s investment here. We cannot allow it to waste. That is basically why we are here today.

“The port is very important to the socio-economic development of the country. The local community and Kogi, which is the host state, would equally benefit from the effective operation of the port,” he stated.