FG Calls on States to Invest in Inland Water Transport to Cut Travel Costs
The Federal Government has urged state governments to invest aggressively in water transportation as a cost-effective alternative to road travel, warning that Nigeria’s vast inland waterways remain largely underutilised.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the call while appearing before a joint committee of the House of Representatives on Marine Transport, Ports, Maritime Safety, Inland Waterways and Shipping Services.
Oyetola said the federal government has already procured and distributed boats for waterway operations across several states, stressing, however, that meaningful expansion of inland water transport cannot be achieved without strong participation from sub-national governments.
“The federal government cannot do it alone. We have procured and distributed boats to some states, but we are calling on sub-nationals to invest heavily in water transportation,” the minister said.
According to him, properly managed water transport offers a cheaper option for commuters and freight movement, particularly as fuel costs, traffic congestion, road accidents and infrastructure maintenance expenses continue to rise.
“Not less than two states are connected by water. Water transportation is cheaper, and it will be even more affordable if it is properly managed,” he added.
Nigeria is estimated to have over 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways, linking coastal, riverine and inland states through major rivers such as the Niger, Benue, Cross River and Ogun, as well as extensive creeks and lagoons.
Despite this natural advantage, water transport remains poorly integrated into the national transport system, leaving road networks overstretched and costly.
Oyetola noted that inland water transport has the potential to ease pressure on roads while providing an energy-efficient mode for moving passengers and goods between states sharing waterways.
While agencies such as the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) are constitutionally responsible for regulating inland waterways, the minister emphasised that state governments play a critical role in providing boats, jetties, terminals, last-mile connectivity and local enforcement.
He pointed out that although states like Lagos have invested significantly in ferry services and terminals, most others continue to rely almost entirely on road transport, even where waterways pass through their territories.
On maritime security, Oyetola said the ministry is collaborating with the Nigerian Navy to procure additional patrol boats to tackle illegal and unregulated fishing, while renewing calls for the establishment of a coast guard to strengthen enforcement on Nigeria’s waterways.
