Rivers Niger and Benue plans to provide 2 million jobs – Governor Bello

The Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has said that the dredging of the Lower Rivers Niger and Benue will provide over 2 million direct and indirect jobs to Nigerians upon completion.

The project is expected to aid the handling of some major exports from that region and imports from the coastal areas as well as boost the federal government’s diversification initiatives.

This was made known by Bello during the inauguration of the commencement of the hydrographic survey and charting of the Lower Rivers Niger and Benue; from Lokoja to Burutu, on Thursday, according to NAN.

The governor in a statement issued in Lokoja by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Onogwu Mohammed, praised the Federal Government’s economic diversification, job creation efforts.

Bello was also full of commendation for the initiative, which was birthed by the Private Public Partnership of Nigeria Export-import Bank in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

He said, “These Rivers; Niger and Benue have remained one of the most critical natural assets that held good prospects for economic diversification in Nigeria. I, however assure Kogites and Nigerians while that at the end of this survey and charting project, various inland and river ports along the coast that have hitherto become moribund, would be reactivated.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria have under the Presidential Economic Diversification Initiative (PEDI) introduced several policies and programmes aimed at diversifying Nigeria’s economy. As well as improving the welfare, security and prosperity of Nigerian citizens and the current initiative was premised on such intention.