Chinweuba Okechukwu
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has unveiled plans to facilitate the development of a West Coast cargo jetty aimed at enhancing seamless movement of goods and services across the sub-region.
In a strategic move to maximize Nigeria’s vast inland waterways, the Authority disclosed that it may operationalise some of its existing jetties to boost cargo traffic between Nigeria and Ghana as a pilot phase of the initiative.
This was made known during a joint inspection of the Marina Jetty in Lagos on Thursday by officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), NIWA, and a delegation from Ghana comprising corporate and private sector trade representatives.
Leading the NIWA delegation, the Acting Managing Director, Mr. Yusuf Girei, reiterated the Authority’s readiness to support the proposed West Coast cargo jetty. He highlighted the availability of extensive waterfront infrastructure capable of driving efficient, technology-driven, and hassle-free cargo operations with direct access to key markets within Lagos.
Girei, accompanied by NIWA’s General Manager (Marine), Engr. Horsefall Dakio, and the Lagos Area Manager, Engr. Sarat Braimah, explained that the Authority’s expansive network of waterways positions it as a critical enabler of inland cargo movement across West Africa.
He noted that NIWA’s existing operational experience, particularly along the Calabar–Cameroon route, provides a solid foundation for scaling similar initiatives across the West Coast corridor.
“We are committed to leveraging our infrastructure and expertise to facilitate regional trade. Our experience on the Calabar–Cameroon route demonstrates the viability of inland water transport in boosting market access within Nigeria and across West Africa,” Girei said.