By Rasheeda Hamidu
Only about 30 per cent of Nigeria’s more than 10,000 kilometres of waterways are currently navigable, raising concerns over the underutilisation of inland water transport for movement of goods and passengers.
Earlier in September, the National Policy on Engineering Regulation and Administration (NPERA) boss, Pius Akutah, called for the expansion of Nigeria’s navigable waterways to unlock their economic and transportation potential.
Akutah said Nigeria was using only a fraction of its extensive waterways, according to remarks reported in connection with the call for expanded navigable routes.
The National Inland Waterways Authority has responsibility for managing and developing Nigeria’s inland waterways, including major rivers, creeks, lagoons and other navigable channels.
Earlier figures cited by former NIWA Managing Director George Moghalu put the navigable portion at slightly above 3,000 kilometres out of more than 10,000 kilometres of waterways nationwide.
Moghalu had described the limited navigability as a major constraint to the development of inland water transportation and urged greater attention to the sector.
The underuse of waterways also limits opportunities to move cargo away from Nigeria’s congested road network, while increasing pressure on road infrastructure and transport systems.
Nigeria’s National Water Resources Master Plan identifies sedimentation, aquatic vegetation, wrecks, inadequate navigation infrastructure and poor maintenance among challenges affecting inland waterway navigation.
NatureNews reports that sustained investment in dredging, navigation infrastructure, safety and waterway maintenance will be critical to unlocking Nigeria’s inland waterways while supporting a more efficient and environmentally sustainable transport system.
