Get Guardian on GoogleDr Uche Igwe, a foremost blue economy expert and co-convener of the Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit, has urged state governors to consider investing in water infrastructure through the procurement of vessels to reduce the cost of transportation across coastal and riverine communities in Nigeria. He made this statement on Wednesday in Abuja after a visit to the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, where his team held fruitful conversations with Prof Busayo Fakinlede, Technical Adviser to the Minister.
Igwe noted with interest the new wave of investments in the establishment of airlines by many states, insisting that part of such investments could go into the procurement of vessels to alleviate the suffering of citizens in riverine communities.
According to him, “Nigeria has about 10,000 kilometres of navigable inland waterways across 28 states, which are suitable for water transport development. Our state governors can invest in the procurement of vessels to phase out wooden commercial boats in favour of fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium boats. These investments will expand ferry networks and reduce the cost of logistics for moving agricultural produce, solid minerals and commuters across the country.”
Citing an example, the expert made reference to the number of avoidable boat mishaps that occur in Nigeria annually, leading to the loss of lives among passengers travelling on the country’s waterways, particularly due to poor equipment such as locally manufactured wooden boats. He pointed to enormous opportunities to boost trade among states like Edo and Kogi by connecting communities such as Agenebode and Idah.
“There are several communities in the Niger Delta that are only accessible by boat, especially now that political campaigns are heating up. We need investments in water transport urgently,” he added.
Lamenting the situation further, Philemon Oghenedoro Adjekuko, who accompanied him on the visit, suggested that such investments would reduce congestion on our roads and create jobs through support for boat building and marine tourism across coastal and riverine communities. He also called on the Federal Government to consider additional investments in dredging and channel enhancement to improve the navigability of inland waterway corridors across the country.
Mr Adjekuko noted that these are some of the critical issues that will be up for discussion at the forthcoming Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit, an annual platform that convenes key decision-makers in Nigeria’s blue economy to explore ways of translating opportunities in the sector into concrete investment pipelines. The second edition of the summit is scheduled to be held from March 18 to 20, 2027, in Warri, Delta State.
