By Faridat Salifu
Organisers of the Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit have partnered with Caverton Marine to improve safety standards and promote environmentally sustainable water transport across the region.
The collaboration followed a high-level engagement between the summit’s organising committee and Caverton Marine in Lagos.
According to organisers, the partnership aims to tackle longstanding safety concerns on inland waterways while encouraging the adoption of modern passenger vessels with lower environmental impact.
Caverton Marine, an indigenous boat manufacturing and marine logistics firm, has delivered ferry services in Lagos through public-private partnerships with the state government.
Summit organisers said these experiences provide a reference for adapting similar models in the Niger Delta, where waterways remain a primary mode of transportation.
Cedric Ogwu, a member of the summit’s organising committee, said the engagement focused on practical solutions to persistent regional water transport challenges.
He noted that improving safety, reliability, and passenger confidence on waterways is essential to economic activity in riverine communities.
Ogwu added that the summit would allow governments, investors, and operators to explore how infrastructure investment and private-sector expertise can reduce accidents and support sustainable livelihoods in coastal areas.
Bode Makanjuola, managing director of Caverton Offshore Group, described the summit as a timely forum for advancing marine safety and efficiency.
Makanjuola said Caverton now manufactures passenger vessels to international safety standards, including electric ferries designed to cut emissions and reduce long-term operating costs.
He noted that many waterway accidents are linked to poor-quality vessels and inadequate maintenance, and that certified boats with proper regulation could significantly lower risks.
Co-convener Dr Uche Igwe said introducing electric ferries aligns with global energy transition efforts and could help attract climate-focused investment to the Niger Delta.
Dr Igwe added that cleaner marine transport benefits public health and environmental protection in coastal communities while reducing emissions.
The Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit is scheduled for 9 to 11 February at Four Points by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
Organisers said the event will bring together policymakers, investors, industry leaders, and development partners to discuss investment opportunities linked to the region’s marine resources.
Attendance by international and regional speakers has been confirmed, including former Tunisian Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa.
