KOCCIMA Boss Urges FG to Explore Waterways to Reduce Road Pressure

The President of the Kogi State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Femi Ajisafe, has called on the Federal Government to adopt inland waterways transportation as an alternative means of easing pressure on Nigeria’s road network.

Ajisafe made this call during a lecture titled “Bad Roads: Looking for Alternative Mode through the Inland Waterways Corridor Passenger and Cargo Transportation in Nigeria,” delivered at the 2026 Press Week organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kogi State Council, in Lokoja.

He expressed concern over the poor state of Nigerian roads, noting that it has led to frequent accidents, increased cost of transportation, and heavy maintenance burdens. According to him, Nigeria has about 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways, with approximately 3,000 kilometres navigable seasonally. He identified the River Niger and River Benue as the country’s major waterways, converging at Lokoja and serving as vital economic lifelines.

He further highlighted that water transportation is cost-effective, noting that it is about 20–30 per cent cheaper than road transport for bulk goods. He added that it is environmentally friendly and capable of generating employment while boosting economic activities in riverine communities.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola