KOCCIMA Boss Urges FG to Explore Waterways Transportation Mode to Ease Pressure on Roads

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Worried by bad Nigerian roads, the attendant carnage and high cost of maintenance, the President, Kogi State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Femi Ajisafe, has tasked the federal government to explore alternative transportation mode through Inland waterways to ease pressure on roads.

Ajisafe in his lecture titled: “Bad Roads: Looking for Alternative Mode through the Inland Waterways Corridor-Passenger and Cargo Transportation in Nigeria,” delivered at the just concluded 2026 Press Week organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists ,Kogi State Council in Lokoja.

Ajisafe pointed out that inland waterways infrastructure is, in all, about 10,000 Kilometers and about 3,000 Kilometers of Nigeria’s inland waterways are seasonally navigable, stressing that the rivers Niger and Benue are Nigeria’s principal rivers which merge into a confluence at Lokoja.

“They both account for about 1,900 Km of waterways before letting their waters into the Niger Delta or entering the Ondo waterways on to the Lagos lagoon.

“Nigeria’s Rivers Niger and Benue are the lifeblood of the nation’s economy, supporting agriculture, fishing, and Commerce. However, their potential as transport arteries remain largely Untapped. With congested roads and underutilized rail networks, it’s time to tum these waterways into bustling transport hubs.

“Nigeria’s waterways stretch over 8.000 km, with Rivers Niger and Benue forming the backbone. The Inland Waterways is a game-changer,” he pointed out.

The president noted that waterways is cost-effective: River transport is 20-30% cheaper than road for bulk goods (World Bank), nothing that the mode is Eco-friendly and lower emissions compared to trucks/lorries.

He stated that waterways transportation will create job opportunities boosts riverine economies and supporting thousands of livelihoods.

The president added that waterways transportation will reduce congestion and takes pressure off roads, reducing accidents and maintenance costs.

As part of efforts to unlock the waterways mode of transportation, he tasked the federal government to  implement regular dredging and channelization to accommodate bigger barges, ensuring year-round navigability. Example: The Mississippi River (USA) dredging project increased cargo capacity by 30%.

He also admonished the federal government to upgrade Ports like Laba, Makurdi, and Onitsha will boost cargo handling. Solution: Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) can fund port upgrades, leveraging international expertise. Example: The Lagos Port Complex upgrade increased carg/ throughput by 40%.

The KOCCIMA boss urged the governments at all levels to introduce barge operations such as Self-propelled barges can carry bulk goods like cement, grains, and fuel.