Dr. Ajisafe urges FG to reform transportation sector to save lives, enhance economy
IDRIS AHMED, LOKOJA
President, Kogi State Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture, (KOCCIMA), Dr. Femi Ajisafe, has urged the Federal Government to as a matter of necessary explore possibility of an alternative transportation of goods and services.
He explained that the current dependence on road transportation has negatively impacted on the socio economic development of the country as construction and maintenance of roads has gulped substantial part of the economy.
The road transportation sector is replete with unfortunate carnage as well as lost of lives and properties on the highways, suggesting a compressive alternative and dependable system through Inland waterways to ease pressure on roads.
Dr Ajisafe delivered a lecture during the just concluded 2026 press week of the Correspondents chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists , Kogi State Council, titled: “Bad Roads Looking for Alternative Mode through the Inland Waterways Corridor, Passenger and Cargo Transportation in Nigeria,”
He 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 onto 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 KOCCIMA 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.
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Dr Ajisafe 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 navigation , citing 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 to boost cargo handling.
According to the expert, the Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) can fund port upgrades, leveraging international expertise. Example: The Lagos Port Complex upgrade increased cargo/ through out by 40%.
The KOCCIMA boss urged the governments at all levels to introduce barge operations such as Self-propelled barges can carry bulk of goods like cement, grains, and fuel.
