The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has expressed concern over the limited navigable kilometres in Nigeria’s waterways, currently standing at 3,000 km. He committed to increasing this by at least 2,000 km to facilitate human movement and enhance commerce.
Speaking in Lokoja on Tuesday during the commissioning of projects at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) headquarters, Oyetola urged private sector participation in the sector. He emphasized the need for comprehensive dredging of key inland waterways to ensure the smooth passage of goods and people.
“We must accomplish this task to create positive change and leave a lasting legacy for future generations,” Oyetola said.
The minister also mentioned ongoing engagements with stakeholders to finalize the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) aimed at developing the maritime sector.
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He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment, developing supportive policies, and promoting the inland waterways segment in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Oyetola encouraged private sector investment, highlighting the sector’s potential for significant growth and sustainable development through partnerships with the government.
NIWA’s Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, encouraged staff to propose innovations to advance the sector, assuring that his administration is open to ideas that align with the President’s vision for economic growth in the marine sector.
The inaugurated projects include an administrative block, security post, 62-passenger boat, ambulance, and hydrographic survey boat. The event was attended by Senator Sunday Karimi of Kogi West, other national assembly members, security chiefs, and traditional rulers.
