Lagos – The Association of Tourists Boat Operators and Water Transportation of Nigeria (NATBOWAT) has called on the Federal Government to build fuel filling stations on the nation`s coastline to boost water transportation.
The President of the association, Mr Ganiu Balogun, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that it had been challenging getting fuel at filling stations.
“Our members have been complaining over the years about the challenges faced in getting fuel to fill their boat.
“Some of them go for miles to get fuel for their boat and this is not encouraging, “ Balogun said.
He said that the association had written to the appropriate authorities on the development in order to effect a positive change.
“We know how much we spend to fill the boats at the filling stations, and the sad thing about it is that we virtually run at a loss at the end of the day.
“A small boat consumes nothing less than 50 litres which cannot even serve it for a full day, “ Balogun told NAN.
The association’s president urged the government to come to their aid and establish filling stations that would be accessible on the nation`s coastline.
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He commended Gov. Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State for making moves to make water transportation a viable alternative to road transportation.
Balogun also advised the government to also review the location of jetties built across the state because they were not conducive for some boats to ply.
He urged the government to appoint professionals in water transportation business to assist in effectively managing the waterways. (NAN)