Nigeria Inland Waterways Development

In late July 2026 the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) formalised a partnership with Kogi State to develop the state’s inland waterways. The agreement, signed at the governor’s residence in Lokoja, called for a joint committee to draft a roadmap prioritising dredging, rehabilitation of jetties and landing sites, and improving safety and security. NIWA officials highlighted the plan’s goals of creating youth jobs, enhancing rural connectivity and advancing Nigeria’s Blue Economy agenda.

A few days later NIWA broadened the effort with a marine safety and environmental protection campaign in the Abaji area of the Federal Capital Territory. The outreach, directed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, targeted waterfront residents with advice on safe navigation and pollution control. NIWA’s acting managing director ordered the programme to be rolled out to additional FCT waterfronts, while reaffirming its commitment to Kogi’s waterway roadmap. Both snapshots show a coordinated push to combine infrastructure development with community‑based safety measures as part of a national Blue Economy strategy.