By Fatima Saka
The Federal Government has been urged to urgently reduce Nigeria’s overdependence on road transportation by investing heavily in inland waterways to ease highway congestion, curb road accidents and strengthen the nation’s economy.
The Commandant General of Riverine Security (Coast Guard of the Federation), Commander Bibi Oduku, made the call after special monitoring assignments across riverine communities, where he assessed developments and challenges confronting Nigeria’s marine and waterways sectors.
Oduku said the continued movement of large volumes of goods, particularly by trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles, was putting excessive pressure on the nation’s highways, accelerating road deterioration and contributing to traffic congestion and avoidable delays.
He argued that Nigeria’s extensive network of waterways remained largely underutilised despite its potential to provide a safer and more efficient corridor for the transportation of people and cargo.
“Nigeria cannot continue to depend almost entirely on the roads for the movement of people and large volumes of goods when we have an extensive network of waterways capable of supporting a modern transportation and logistics system.”
The Riverine Security chief called on the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and other relevant agencies to formulate and implement a coordinated national strategy for waterways transportation.
He urged the government to invest in modern jetties, terminals, navigation systems, passenger boats, cargo facilities, marine communication systems and safety infrastructure to make the waterways accessible, navigable and commercially viable.
According to him, moving more agricultural produce, petroleum-related products, manufactured goods and other commodities through waterways would provide an alternative to the heavily congested road corridors and reduce the burden on highways.
Oduku also linked the development of waterways to environmental sustainability, noting that reducing the number of heavy-duty vehicles on roads could help lower emissions and pollution along major transportation routes.
Beyond transportation, he said a properly developed marine sector could become a major source of employment and investment, particularly through boat manufacturing and maintenance, marine engineering, logistics, port operations, cargo handling, tourism, fisheries and security services.
Security must accompany waterways development
Addressing concerns over piracy, militancy and other criminal activities in some riverine and maritime locations, Oduku maintained that security challenges should not discourage investment in waterways infrastructure.
He commended the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies for their roles in protecting lives and property in the maritime environment, while advocating stronger collaboration among security agencies, marine operators, traditional institutions and riverine communities.
“Security and infrastructure development must move together.”
The Commandant General also expressed concern over the socioeconomic conditions of many riverine communities, particularly in the Niger Delta, saying communities that contribute significantly to Nigeria’s natural-resource economy still face inadequate transportation, healthcare, education, potable water and electricity.
He called for interventions that would translate government policies and promises into measurable improvements in the lives of residents, particularly children, pregnant women, elderly people and other vulnerable groups.
Oil companies urged to support host communities
Oduku further appealed to companies operating in the oil and gas sector to intensify their contributions to the development of communities where they operate.
He advocated stronger partnerships involving federal and state governments, oil and gas companies, private investors, maritime operators and host communities to improve infrastructure, marine transportation, security and environmental protection.
He also called for a comprehensive National Waterways Transportation Master Plan that would integrate inland waterways with seaports, roads, railways and other logistics networks.
According to him, waterways should complement road and rail transportation rather than remain an underdeveloped alternative.
Oduku said unlocking Nigeria’s waterways potential would improve transportation safety, reduce pressure on highways, strengthen logistics, generate employment, attract investment and promote the development of riverine communities.
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“Nigeria has the waterways, the human resources and the economic potential. What we need is the political will, investment, modern technology, proper regulation and sustained security to unlock this potential.”
He therefore urged the Federal Government to move beyond policy declarations and commence practical implementation of measures capable of making waterways transportation a major component of Nigeria’s long-term economic diversification and infrastructure strategy.
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