The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) said registered the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATWOWATON) as a component of tourism in the country.
The press officer of NTDC, Mr Wilfred Efosa, announced the registration in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.
The statement said ?“the association is now formally registered as a legal body operating in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’’
It stated that the endorsement was done when the President of the association, Mr Tarzan Balogun, led a delegation to NTDC.
The statement stressed the need for more private investors in the boat transport system to impact more on the overall economy and assist to make the roads last longer.
The statement said the corporation promised to expose members of the association to international tours to keep them abreast with the international standards in the industry.
It urged the association to intensify efforts in various fronts, citing the Olympics as an instance where the system could introduce swimmers who would do Nigeria proud.
It expressed the preparedness of NTDC to work with the association in developing boat transport experience for tourists.
The president of the association thanked NTDC for obliging the request to formally register the group.
Efosa also commended NTDC for consistently fulfilling various promises made, especially the provision of life jackets for members of the association. (NAN)