NIWA Plans Regional Cargo Jetty to Boost West African Trade

The National Inland Waterways Authority has announced plans to facilitate the development of a West Coast cargo jetty aimed at improving the movement of goods and enhancing regional trade across West Africa.

The agency disclosed this in a statement following a joint inspection of the Marina Jetty in Lagos conducted by officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIWA, and a Ghanaian delegation comprising corporate and private sector trade representatives.

According to the agency, the proposed project forms part of broader efforts to maximise Nigeria’s inland waterways infrastructure and strengthen cargo transportation across the sub-region.

NIWA stated that the initiative is expected to improve trade connectivity between Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries while reducing pressure on road transportation networks.

The authority also revealed that it is considering the operationalisation of some of its existing jetties to support cargo movement between Nigeria and Ghana as part of the pilot phase of the proposed regional transport initiative.

Speaking during the inspection, the acting Managing Director of NIWA, Yusuf Girei, reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting the development of the proposed West Coast cargo jetty.

“We are committed to leveraging our infrastructure and expertise to facilitate regional trade,” Girei said.

He stated that NIWA possesses extensive waterfront infrastructure capable of supporting efficient, technology-driven cargo operations with direct access to key commercial markets within Lagos and other strategic locations.

According to him, the agency’s vast inland waterways network places it in a strong position to drive inland cargo transportation and strengthen regional trade integration across West Africa.

Girei noted that NIWA’s operational experience on existing routes, particularly the Calabar–Cameroon corridor, demonstrates the viability of inland water transportation as a cost-effective channel for cargo movement and market access.

“Our experience on the Calabar–Cameroon route demonstrates the viability of inland water transport in boosting market access within Nigeria and across West Africa,” he added.

The authority explained that the proposed West Coast cargo jetty would support seamless movement of goods, improve trade efficiency, and encourage greater participation of private sector operators in regional maritime logistics.

Industry stakeholders have continued to advocate greater investment in inland waterways infrastructure as part of efforts to diversify transportation systems and reduce congestion at seaports and highways.

Analysts noted that improved cargo movement through waterways could lower logistics costs, enhance trade efficiency, and strengthen economic integration within the Economic Community of West African States region.

The proposed initiative also aligns with ongoing regional efforts to improve trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement by strengthening transport connectivity and cross-border logistics infrastructure.

NIWA stated that the project is expected to support increased commercial activities between Nigeria and neighbouring countries while opening additional opportunities for trade and investment along coastal and inland transport corridors.

The agency added that leveraging inland waterways infrastructure could significantly improve supply chain efficiency and provide alternative cargo evacuation channels for businesses operating within the region.

Officials involved in the inspection emphasised the importance of collaboration between government agencies and private sector stakeholders in developing sustainable maritime and inland transport systems.

The authority noted that the Marina Jetty inspection provided an opportunity to assess existing infrastructure and identify areas requiring upgrades to support expanded cargo operations.

NIWA further stated that strengthening inland water transportation remains critical to reducing pressure on conventional transport systems and improving overall logistics performance in Nigeria.

The agency maintained that investments in modern cargo handling facilities and integrated transport infrastructure would contribute to economic growth, facilitate regional commerce, and improve connectivity within West Africa.

Stakeholders in the maritime sector have repeatedly highlighted the need for increased investment in inland waterways, noting that Nigeria possesses significant untapped potential in water-based transportation.

Experts also argue that expanding inland cargo transportation could reduce road deterioration caused by heavy-duty trucks while improving environmental sustainability within the logistics sector.

The authority reiterated its commitment to partnering with regional stakeholders and relevant agencies to advance projects capable of strengthening trade integration and improving cargo mobility across the West Coast corridor.

NIWA added that the proposed cargo jetty initiative reflects broader efforts to position Nigeria as a strategic logistics and trade hub within West Africa through the development of efficient and interconnected transport infrastructure.