The Nigerian Federal Government has signed a $34.8bn contract for the dredging of the Lower Niger, notes THISDAY.

The project, which covers about 572 km, stretches from Warri in Delta State to Baro in Niger State. Minister of Transportation, Deziani Allison-Madueke, who signed the agreement on behalf of the government, said the project was divided into five sections and awarded to five different contracting firms to ensure that they were completed within the stipulated time. The duration of the completion of the project is one year while a two year maintenance agreement has also been signed between the government and the contractors. 'This will open up a completely new realm of possibilities, in terms of inland waterways and in terms of navigability, transportation, commerce and industry in the areas that it will affect along the lower River Niger. This will affect the many communities that live and work along that waterway,' she said.
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