Ododo, Shagari Mull Bold Waterways Revolution to Drive Blue Economy, Jobs

Ododo, Shagari Mull Bold Waterways Revolution to Drive Blue Economy, Jobs

From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto

The Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has pledged his administration’s unwavering commitment to forging a strategic partnership with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to unlock the state’s vast waterways potential for economic transformation, investment, improved transportation, security and large scale employment generation.

Gov. Ododo gave the assurance while receiving the Chairman of the Governing Board of NIWA, Barrister Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, who led the Authority’s management, including the Managing Director, Yusuf Umar Girie, on a courtesy visit to the Governor in Abuja to strengthen collaboration on the sustainable development of inland waterways.

In a statement issued on Friday in Sokoto, by Shagari’s Media Aide, Musa Ubandawaki,  the Governor described Kogi State as Nigeria’s strategic gateway to inland water transportation, assuring that his administration would work closely with NIWA to maximise the enormous economic opportunities embedded in the state’s waterways.

Ododo said his government was fully aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Blue Economy policy, stressing that the development of inland waterways would stimulate commerce, agriculture, tourism, fisheries, logistics and industrial growth while improving the livelihoods of citizens.

“We are fully committed to partnering with NIWA to harness the enormous potential of our waterways. Kogi occupies a strategic position as the confluence state, and we are determined to ensure these natural assets become catalysts for sustainable economic growth, investment, wealth creation and employment,” the governor declared.

He assured the NIWA Governing Board of the state’s readiness to provide the necessary institutional support for projects aimed at expanding river transport infrastructure, enhancing navigation, improving safety and attracting private sector participation in the waterways sector.

The governor further noted that greater investment in inland water transportation would reduce pressure on federal highways, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and commercial goods, strengthen regional integration and boost economic activities across riverine communities.

Earlier, Chairman of the NIWA Governing Board, Barrister Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, called for a robust partnership between the Federal Government and the Kogi State Government to unlock the vast economic potential of the state’s inland waterways as a major driver of sustainable development.

Shagari described Kogi as one of Nigeria’s most strategically endowed states in inland water resources, stressing that effective development and management of its waterways would significantly contribute to national economic growth and accelerate the Federal Government’s Blue Economy agenda.

“Kogi State is uniquely blessed with vast and strategic inland waterways which, if properly harnessed, can transform transportation, commerce, agriculture, tourism, fisheries and logistics. The opportunities are enormous and must be fully exploited for the benefit of our people and the nation’s economy,” he said.

The NIWA Board Chairman said the Authority was committed to deepening collaboration with state governments in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that stronger partnerships would unlock investment opportunities and create sustainable jobs for thousands of Nigerians.

He identified key areas requiring collaboration to include the development and rehabilitation of jetties and landing sites, dredging and maintenance of navigable channels, enhancement of waterways safety and security, promotion of safe water transportation and mobilisation of private investment in river infrastructure.

According to Shagari, strengthening inland waterways infrastructure would lower transportation costs, improve connectivity among communities, ease pressure on road networks, expand regional trade and position Kogi State as a major hub for inland navigation and economic prosperity.

The meeting ended with both parties expressing confidence that sustained collaboration between NIWA and the Kogi State Government would accelerate infrastructure development, unlock new investment opportunities, deepen the Blue Economy and reinforce Kogi State’s strategic position as Nigeria’s confluence and gateway to inland water transportation.