The Commandant General of Riverine Security (Coast Guard of the Federation), Commander Bibi Oduku, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the development, modernisation and security of Nigeria’s waterways transportation system to reduce pressure on roads, improve logistics and stimulate economic growth.
Oduku said Nigeria could no longer afford to depend almost entirely on road transportation for the movement of people and goods despite having vast inland waterways and maritime resources capable of supporting a modern transportation and logistics network.
Speaking after monitoring developments in riverine communities during special assignments, the Riverine Security Commandant General said the country’s heavy dependence on road transport was contributing to traffic congestion, road accidents, highway deterioration and delays in the movement of goods.
“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,” he said.
“We need to begin treating our waterways as strategic national infrastructure.”
Oduku noted that the constant movement of trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles across the country was placing enormous pressure on highways, while also contributing to environmental pollution.
He called on relevant government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Federal Ministry of Transportation, National Inland Waterways Authority, Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, to develop a coordinated national strategy for waterways transportation.
According to him, government should invest in modern jetties, terminals, navigation systems, passenger boats, cargo facilities, marine communication systems and other safety infrastructure.
“Our waterways must be made accessible, navigable, safe and commercially viable,” Oduku said.
He maintained that a properly developed waterways transportation system would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, petroleum products, manufactured goods and other commodities, while providing alternative transportation corridors for businesses and citizens.
The Riverine Security boss also said investment in marine transportation would create jobs and attract private-sector participation.
“A properly developed waterways transportation system is not only about moving goods and passengers. It is also about creating jobs, stimulating businesses, attracting domestic and international investment, developing riverine communities and increasing government revenue,” he said.
Oduku identified boat manufacturing, marine engineering, logistics, port operations, cargo handling, tourism, fisheries and security services as sectors that could benefit from improved waterways infrastructure.
On security concerns, including piracy and criminal activities in some maritime and riverine areas, he said such challenges should not discourage government from developing the sector.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among the Nigerian Navy, other security agencies, marine operators, traditional institutions and riverine communities.
“We should not be afraid to develop our waterways because of the activities of sea pirates, militants or other criminal elements. Security and infrastructure development must move together,” he said.
Oduku also expressed concern over the poor socioeconomic conditions in many riverine communities, particularly in the Niger Delta, despite their contribution to Nigeria’s natural-resource economy.
He said many residents continued to face challenges accessing quality healthcare, education, transportation, potable water and electricity.
“It is unacceptable that communities contributing immensely to the economic strength of Nigeria should continue to feel abandoned,” he said.
“The people in our riverine communities deserve to see meaningful development around them.”
He appealed to oil and gas companies operating in riverine communities to play more active roles in the development of their host communities.
Oduku called for stronger partnerships involving the Federal and State Governments, oil and gas companies, private investors, maritime operators and host communities.
He further advocated the development of a comprehensive National Waterways Transportation Master Plan that would integrate inland waterways with seaports, roads, railways and other logistics infrastructure.
According to him, Nigeria requires an integrated transportation system in which waterways complement roads and rail transportation rather than remaining an underdeveloped alternative.
Oduku urged the Federal Government to move beyond policy declarations and take practical steps towards unlocking the enormous potential of the country’s waterways.
“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 said.
He added that greater investment in waterways would promote safer transportation, reduce pressure on highways, improve logistics, create employment, strengthen maritime security and accelerate the socioeconomic development of riverine communities.
“The time for action is now. Investing in Nigeria’s waterways is investing in safer transportation, economic growth, national security, job creation and the future of our nation.”
It is incontrovertible evidence that our water ways need serious attention from the Federal government in order to ease the pressure on our roads which has led to the dilapidating nature of our road today.
Federal government should hold the bull by the horn and partner with relevant stakeholders in order to heed the wise advice of Commander Bibi Duku