Minister Adegboyega Oyetola Launches New Projects to Boost Nigeria’s Inland Waterways
On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola visited the headquarters of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in Lokoja, Kogi State, for a working tour and to inaugurate several projects. His visit aims to align NIWA’s efforts with the Ministry’s vision to improve Nigeria’s trade balance, strengthen the Naira, and create jobs. He commended NIWA for implementing the Water Transportation Code and introducing new boats and projects to improve water transportation and safety.
A total of fifteen (15) boats of varying capacities and uses were introduced, including:
- Three (3) boats with 150 horsepower each for surveillance, ensuring NIWA Police officers are more visible.
- Five (5) boats with double 75 horsepower engines each for enforcing safety rules and regulations.
- One (1) combat-ready Gun Patrol Boat with 115 horsepower for emergency responses to security threats.
- One (1) 62-seater passenger boat as a pilot scheme to replace the wooden passenger canoe.
- Three (3) fully equipped water ambulances for prompt emergency responses.
- Two (2) hydrographic survey boats with multi-beam echo sounders to provide a more detailed and accurate picture of the seafloor.
The commitment to addressing operational challenges, increasing navigable waterways, and supporting the maritime sector through policies and partnerships is emphasized. These projects contribute significantly to the Renewed Hope Agenda and national development.
Minister Oyetola highlighted that out of the 10,000 kilometers of waterways in Nigeria, only 3,000 kilometers are navigable. The Ministry is determined to increase this by at least 2,000 kilometers. This necessitates a holistic dredging of strategically important inland waterways for the passage of goods and people. This task must be accomplished to create positive change and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Similarly, the Ministry is engaging relevant stakeholders to finalize arrangements for the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) for developing the maritime sector. As a Ministry, they will continue to create an enabling environment, develop policies, and offer the necessary support to grow the Inland Waterways segment of the maritime sector in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
