Governors Urged To Invest In Boats, Inland Waterways Transportation

A blue economy expert, Dr Igwe, has urged state governors to invest in vessel procurement and inland water transportation to reduce transportation costs and improve connectivity in coastal and riverine communities.

Igwe, Co-convener of the Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit, made the call in Abuja after a visit to the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, where his team held discussions with Prof. Busayo Fakinlede, Technical Adviser to the Minister.

He said states could channel part of their investments in establishing airlines into procuring modern vessels to improve water transportation and ease the difficulties faced by residents of riverine communities.

According to him, Nigeria has about 10,000 kilometres of navigable inland waterways across 28 states, presenting significant opportunities for the development of water transportation.

He urged governors to replace wooden commercial boats with fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium vessels, noting that such investments would expand ferry networks and reduce the cost of transporting agricultural produce, solid minerals and passengers.

The expert also raised concerns over recurring boat accidents across the country, attributing some of the incidents to the poor condition of locally manufactured wooden boats and inadequate safety infrastructure.

He cited the potential for improved trade between Edo and Kogi states through water transportation links connecting communities such as Agenebode and Idah.

“Several communities in the Niger Delta are only accessible by boat, especially now that political campaigns are heating up. We need investments in water transport urgently,” he said.

Also speaking, Philemon Oghenedoro Adjekuko, who accompanied Igwe on the visit, said investment in inland waterways would reduce road congestion and create employment opportunities through boat building and marine tourism.

Adjekuko also urged the Federal Government to invest in dredging and channel enhancement to improve navigation along inland waterways.

He said the issues would feature prominently at the second Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit, scheduled to hold from March 18 to 20, 2027, in Warri, Delta State.

The annual summit brings together stakeholders and decision-makers in Nigeria’s blue economy to explore investment opportunities and develop strategies for translating the sector’s potential into concrete investments.