The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) said it was positioning the inland waterways as a major investment destination, with plans to attract private sector participation, expand transport infrastructure and accelerate Nigeria’s Blue Economy agenda.
The initiative, announced during a meeting between Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State and the Chairman of the NIWA Governing Board, Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, signals a renewed push to leverage Kogi’s strategic location at the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue to stimulate commerce, logistics, agriculture and tourism.
Both parties identified inland waterways as a critical asset capable of lowering transportation costs, improving market access, creating jobs and driving regional economic integration.
Ododo said the state was prepared to work closely with NIWA to unlock the economic value of its waterways through investments in modern river transport infrastructure, safer navigation and an enabling environment for private investors.
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“Kogi occupies a strategic position as the confluence state, and we are determined to ensure these natural assets become catalysts for sustainable economic growth, investment, wealth creation and employment,” the governor said.
He noted that expanding water transportation would reduce pressure on the country’s road network, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and commercial goods, and support industrial development in riverine communities.
According to the governor, the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the national Blue Economy strategy, which seeks to diversify economic growth through the sustainable use of marine and inland water resources.
Shagari described Kogi as one of Nigeria’s most strategically endowed states for inland water transportation, noting that greater investment in waterways infrastructure could unlock significant economic opportunities.
He said NIWA was committed to strengthening partnerships with state governments to develop inland navigation, attract investment and create sustainable employment.
“Kogi State is uniquely blessed with vast and strategic inland waterways which, if properly harnessed, can transform transportation, commerce, agriculture, tourism, fisheries and logistics. The opportunities are enormous and must be fully exploited for the benefit of our people and the nation’s economy,” he said.
He identified priority investment areas to include rehabilitation and construction of jetties and landing sites, dredging of navigable channels, improved waterways safety and security, and mobilisation of private capital for river infrastructure projects.
