The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) on Monday expressed readiness to settle conflict with the Lagos State Government out-of-court in order to make way for effect coastal operations.

The NIWA Director-General, Mr Olorunibe Mamora, made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

NAN reports that there had been a protracted legal tussle between the Federal Government  and Lagos Governments over which of them controls waterways in Lagos with huge economic potential.

“We are looking at the benefits of the sector in terms of transportation, tourism and sundry economic empowerment of the people, and not who wins at the court that is far from our aim.

“The dispute cannot continue for the common good; our country is blessed with navigable coastal line; there is need for us to explore such for the benefit of our people.

“If Nigeria should harness the potential in the coastal areas in the area of transportation for instance,  there will be less pressure on our roads, and citizens interactions be promoted,’’ Mamora, a two-time Speaker at the Lagos Assembly, said.

According to him, there will  be more effective inland waterways transport system nationwide if the NIWA Act before the National Assembly sails through. (NAN)

– Oct. 22, 2018 @ 14:35 GMT