Vol. 1,
issue #67, 9 November 2001
Nigerian government backs dredging efforts
The Federal Government in Nigerian has justified its decision to dredge the Niger and Benue rivers. Speaking at the end of October, Minister of State for Transport, Alhaji Isa Yuguda, said that dredging was imperative if the rivers were to be saved fromdrying up.
"Both rivers are fast drying up because they are almost silted, and studies have shown that they may completely dry up in the next 20-25 years if concerted efforts are not made to safeguard them", he told local press in the area.
The Minister said the government would do everything possible to safeguard the rivers, pointing out that the dredging would also help in improve navigation.
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