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By Daniel Adaji
The Federal Government says it is stepping up efforts to shift cargo transportation from roads to inland waterways as part of a broader strategy to reduce logistics costs and improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s economy.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, disclosed the plan during a courtesy visit by the Chief Executive Officer of Admiralty Maritime Services Limited, Rear Admiral Muhsin Abba (retd), in Abuja at the weekend.
In a statement on Sunday, Mahmood said the ministry is considering a partnership with Admiralty Maritime Services as part of its push to expand inland and coastal waterway transportation as a more affordable alternative for moving cargo and passengers across the country.
According to her, the shift is central to the ministry’s efforts to optimise Nigeria’s vast aquatic resources and cut the high cost of transporting goods.
She noted that since assuming office about ten weeks ago, the ministry has focused on accelerating the transition of freight movement from road to water.
“Data confirms that water transportation is significantly more affordable than road or rail. By shifting a substantial portion of cargo to our waterways, we will directly reduce the market price of goods and services, making the Nigerian economy more competitive,” Mahmood said.
She added that the initiative aligns with the policy direction of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the broader economic vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub globally.
The permanent secretary also highlighted recent gains in maritime security, noting that Nigeria has maintained piracy-free territorial waters for three consecutive years.
While describing the development as a significant milestone for the maritime sector, she stressed that sustaining the achievement would require deeper cooperation with regional and international partners to secure key shipping lanes in the Gulf of Guinea.
Industry observers say the government’s renewed focus on inland waterways is also part of wider efforts to address the rising cost of logistics in Nigeria, where heavy reliance on road transportation has contributed to congestion, infrastructure damage and higher freight charges.
Nigeria possesses an extensive network of rivers, creeks and coastal waterways, yet the infrastructure needed to support large-scale cargo movement through water remains underdeveloped.
During the meeting, Rear Admiral Muhsin Abba (Rtd), who leads Admiralty Maritime Services Limited, a subsidiary of Navy Holdings Limited, said his company is ready to support the government’s blue economy agenda.
He identified several operational challenges affecting Nigeria’s maritime gateways, particularly in Lagos, Warri, Calabar and Port Harcourt, noting that underwater wrecks and insufficient dredging continue to limit navigation and port efficiency.
“Addressing these obstructions will improve navigational safety, increase vessel traffic, and streamline the coastal transportation of petroleum products and other essential cargoes,” Abba said.
He added that the company is committed to aligning with government policies aimed at unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector.