The Federal Government has flagged off Onitsha River Port to Onne in Rivers State as it received its first cargo in 42-years.
The Eastern port has been left dormant for over three decades, but yesterday history was made as business men, importers, South East traders and other stakeholders have described as welcome development the decision of the federal government to relocate cargos to Onitsha Inland Port as part of the measures to decongest the Lagos port.
Speaking during the flagship of the port, MD/CEO, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Chief Dr George Moghalu, who commissioned the port noted that the multiplier effects of this on the entire southeast region will be huge, the cost of transporting goods will be reduced and jobs will be created, it’ll also reduce the number of road accidents and hours travellers spend in traffic due to the activities of truck drivers.
Special Assistant to President Buhari on Digital and New Media, Tolu Ogunlesi tweeted, “Maersk is now (starting 2020) sending container ships direct from China to the Onne Port, without the need to first call at Lagos.”
“Now, when the ship berths in Onne, it will be offloaded and the containers going to Onitsha Port will be barged down.”
He added, “Here we go, from the Maersk website:
Ship leaves Shanghai East Container Terminal, China on Sat October 10, arrives Onne Port Terminal on November 25.
“Cargo leaves Onne December 1, arrives Clarion Terminal, Onitsha, December 2.”
The Easterners have expressed happiness and joy in this new development as it is seen as one of the ways to improve the lives of many in the region.
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