#GEJAchievements in Waterways 1/12
Before GEJ
Previous governments have simply neglected to develop our inland waterways system to ease movement and life in general.

During GEJ
President Jonathan’s administration has dredged about 72 km of the lower River Niger from Baro in Niger State to Warri in Delta State; and completed the construction of the Onitsha inland port; while the Baro port is nearing completion.

The result of all these is that we now have year round navigation around the lower Niger; and we are already witnessing an increase in cargo volume from below 2.9 million metric tons in 2011 to over 5 million metric tons in 2013 on the inland waterways. As in the case of the rail transport, the number of passengers travelling via our inland waterways has increased fourfold from 250,000 in 2011 to over 1.3 million.

#GEJAchievements in Waterways 2/12
Before GEJ
Nigeria is blessed with a large body of inland water yet to be fully utilized for the movement of goods and people. Previous governments have simply neglected to develop our inland waterways system to ease movement and life in general.

During GEJ
The Federal Government has completed the capital dredging of the Lower River Niger from Warri (Delta State) to Baro (Niger State) – 572km - to facilitate all-year navigability.

The channel runs through major towns such as Warri, Onitsha, Agenebode, Idah, Jamata (Lokoja) and Baro. In addition, Baro, Oguta, and Jamata (Lokoja) River Ports are under construction. Baro and Oguta are expected to be completed this year.


#GEJAchievements in Waterways 3/12
Before GEJ
Lack of reforms of the waterways stalled commercial activities.

During GEJ
Waterways reforms have boosted commercial activities with bulk movement of more than 1,200 tonnes of goods per year.

The reforms have led to increased inland waterways transport services and the transportation of goods over long distances at relatively low rates along the channels.

Examples of bulk transportation include:
• Movement of 1,200 tonnes of ceramic tiles from Lokoja to Onitsha by Messrs Ninon Transport Company at 5 trips per Annum;
• Messrs Ninon are currently constructing 4 Nos. 500 tons capacity Barges in Lokoja with intention to deploy them for use in the Lower River Niger Channel;


#GEJAchievements in Waterways 4/12
Before GEJ
Safety and security in our waterways was a source of concern.

During GEJ
Safety and security on the Inland water ways have been beefed up to ensure passenger safety.

Beyond making our inland waterways more functional, the administration of President Jonathan also ensured that safety and security on the inland waterways be improved with:

• Strengthening Inland Waterways Police Command by providing 12 Security Patrol Boats.
• Procurement of additional 3 Security Patrol Boats is on-going.
• Provision of anchorages for repairs and overnight berthing on the Waterways in 4 locations along the Lower River Niger at Budon and Ajaokuta in Kogi, Ilushi in Edo and Aboh in Delta States.
• Acquired two (2) Water Ambulances to provide First Aid in accident cases.
• Acquired two (2) Water Mobile Workshops for emergency repairs of Ferries and Boats on Waterways.
• Soft security coverage programme by providing Radio communication in major waterways starting with Lower River Niger.
• Registration of vessels/operation permits: 5,620 as at date.


#GEJAchievements in Waterways 5/12
Before GEJ
Reforms in the waterways were abandoned by previous governments in the country.

During GEJ
Several reforms are ongoing to make Nigerian water ways hitch–free. In line with the Presidents waterways reform plan, the proposed passenger transportation on PPP arrangement on major and minor water crossings using 14-seater, 28-seater and 45-seater water buses has now kicked off.

The routes that will benefit from this are Yauri to Malare (Kebbi), Buruku to Abuku (Benue), Pategi (Kwara) to Nupeko (Niger), Lokoja to Onitsha, Onitsha to Bomadi (Delta), Idah (Kogi) to Agenebode (Edo), Yenagoa to Brass (Bayelsa), Calabar to Oron (Akwa Ibom), Marina to Apapa (Lagos) and Marina to Badagry (Lagos). Six Units of the Water Buses are available now. An additional six are expected soon.


#GEJAchievements in Waterways 6/12
Before GEJ
Constructions and dredging of waterways in the North Central Zone were abandoned by previous governments.

During GEJ
In order to further open the North central zone to more waterway and business activities, President Jonathan’s administration has commenced the following projects:

• Lower River Niger Dredging Project: Lots 1-5 Warri (Delta State) – Baro (Niger State)
• River Bank Protection Works in: Kogi – Kelebe & Okumi, Edo – Ilushi
• Construction of Inland River Port, Baro
• Construction of Inland River Port: Lokoja
• Construction of Idah Jetty
• Construction of Buruku Jetty
• Construction of Pategi Jetty
• Construction of Pategi Ferry Ramp


Testimonial
My name is Abubakar Adulazeez, I am from Okene in Kogi state. You see, the thing with this water transportation is that at the beginning, it was scary what if something bad happens?

But now, it’s like a bus ride to me. Inside is comfortable and so far, I’ve seen that the government has put so much into water transportation. Now we don’t need to go by road at all times. So, it’s safe to travel by water from place to place. We just thank government.

#GEJAchievements in Waterways 7/12
Before GEJ
As a result of the non-dredging of River Niger by previous government, economic activities were stalled.

During GEJ
There has been an increased use of inland waterways to stimulate economic activities following the dredging of over 572km of the Lower River Niger under President Jonathan’s administration.

#GEJAchievements in Waterways 8/12
Before GEJ
Reforms in the ports and harbours were abandoned.
During GEJ
The reforms in ports and harbours have positioned the maritime transport sector in line with global best practices. As a result, the overall operational efficiency in the ports has been steadily improving. Specifically, as at 2013, concessionaires have made $475million investments in cargo handling equipment and $450million in terminal development.

Developmental reforms initiated by President Jonathan administration have led to easier navigation in the waterways. Now, 1.6million barrels of crude oil are now being moved from Okpai by sea 3 to 4 times monthly.

Testimonial: My name is Akuraino Umukoro and I am an experienced seaman. I was frustrated when I came to Owerri to operate a ship.
The channels were narrow and the vessel was always getting stuck. When we didn’t get stuck, we would be robbed. Now, the federal government has dredged the channels and supplied security patrol boats to keep us safe.

#GEJAchievements in Waterways 9/12
Before GEJ
Inland waterways were not given adequate attention. It was left unattended to by previous governments.

During GEJ
The number of passengers travelling by water was 1.3 million in 2012, compared to a mere 250,000 the previous year. President Goodluck Jonathan has proven that he understands the importance of water transport in relieving some of the pressure from the other means of transportation. The Inland Waterways provide alternative means of transporting goods, agricultural produce and services at relatively low rates.

Dredging of Lower River Niger from Baro (Niger State) to Warri (Delta State) has allowed all-year navigation. More also, Onitsha Port has been completed, while Baro Port, Lokoja Port and Oguta Port are under construction and the volume of cargo transported in the inland waterways has doubled during the administration of President Jonathan.

Before Jonathan, Baro Port, Lokoja Port and Oguta Port were non-existent. Now, they are nearing completion.

#GEJAchievements in Waterways 10/12
Before GEJ
The importance of external seaports and inland waterways to the transportation of goods within and outside the country were not fully recognised and harnessed before the administration of President Jonathan.

During GEJ
President Jonathan administration embarked on an ambitious programme of opening up access to inland waterways and expanding existing infrastructure in the nation’s seaports.

Having in mind that Lagos state occupies a strategic position in the nation’s economy with the major seaports of Tin Can and Apapa located in the state, a lot of President Jonathan’s waterways reforms have been in Lagos.

Other Reforms in the South West include:

• Construction of a new deep seaport at Lekki has been approved
• Rehabilitation of Tin Can Island Port (Quay Wall & Apron)
• The Ibaka, Agge, Olokola, Badagry and Ogidigbe/Escravos deep seaports are being processed.
• Rehabilitation of Lagos Harbour Moles
• Remedial Works for Tincan Island Service Lane, Apapa, Lagos.
• Construction of 1.6km dual carriage way within Lagos Port Complex (LPC)
• Rehabilitation of Apapa Port railway Network
• 62 Critical Wrecks have been removed from our channels which allowed for the dredging of the channel to accommodate bigger vessels.
Significant Outcomes

#GEJAchievements in Waterways 11/12
Before GEJ
Dredging of the harbours in Lagos and Bonny were abandoned.

During GEJ
President Jonathan administration embarked on continuous dredging of the harbors in Lagos and Bonny to accommodate large ocean liners such as the West African Maximum (WAFMAX) Jumbo Cargo Vessels that carry 4,500 TEUs instead of conventional vessels of 2,500 TEUs.

This is providing opportunities for trans-shipment to other ports of Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Prior to this administration, the Lagos channel depth was about 10 metres but it is now 14meters.

#GEJAchievements in Waterways 12/12
Before GEJ
E-payment system was a major challenge before the administration of President Jonathan.

During GEJ
President Jonathan major reform has been the introduction and adoption of e-payment system which has improved bill payment processes from 3 – 5 days payment confirmation circle time to a couple of minutes (instant/real time confirmation).
This has not only reduced the operational costs for shipping companies but also contributes to improved vessel turnaround time.

and all this dey Nigeria ??

Nigeria don many I think

Pictures don't lie.

At least, not in this instance.

holatin:
and all this dey Nigeria ??

Nigeria don many I think

GEJAchievements:
Pictures don't lie.

At least, not in this instance.

is it not you that show a pics of a bridge in another state calming it is second Niger bridge