Roads Construction Won’t Hamper Maritime Operations – BYS State MWU Chairman
2 min read
Comrade Ogoniba Ipagansi
MWU Bayelsa State Chairman
by Oyagiri Chime-emele The Bayelsa State District chairman of the Nigeria Maritime Workers Union, Comr Ogoniba Ipagansi, has allayed fears in some quarters that the ongoing roads construction in the state will hamper the smooth operations.
Ipagansi, who was fielding questions from journalists in his Swali office, Yenagoa, recently revealed that maritime operations would continue to be relevant in as much as there is water to navigation upon.
He explained that most part of the state being coastal means other branches of the maritime business would be maximally explored, adding that the business is not relatively consigned to fibre and wooden boats route transportation.
The district chairman hinted that most oil and gas company workers are members of the union, adding that the rig workers, barges, tug boats and other related seafaring vessels are also members, meaning that the maritime operation will continue from that angle.
He further stated that the soon to be constructed seaport would provide another avenue for the maritime operation in the state.
On the upsurge of sea piracy, he said that the union has formed a committee to combat the menace, with a view to making the waterways passable for users, be it the local traders, passengers and company workers.
He stressed that the operations of the committee is curtailed by lack of arms, though, through synergizing with the security agencies, some minimal results are being achieved.
The MWU Chairman appealed to the government to extend its goodwill to set up operational unit for the sole aim of securing the water, especially, he called on Nigeria Maritime Administrative and Safety Agency (NIMASA) that, according to him is saddled with the responsibility of securing the water ways to provide adequate gun boats for water security.
