CITIZENS COMPASS— Engr. Sarat Braimah, Lagos Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA),on Tuesday, called on the Federal Government and private sector investors to significantly scale up investments in Nigeria’s inland waterways, stressing that such action is crucial to unlocking the nation’s blue economy potential and transforming the lives of millions in coastal communities.
Speaking at the 3rd EHINGBETI Blue Economy Hub, Braimah stressed that waterways remain central to the economic and social livelihood of communities surrounded by water.
She noted that despite the enormous potential, Nigeria still lags behind global peers in harnessing its inland water resources for transport, trade, and local development.
“Inland waterways form the majority of what people do directly with the communities that are surrounded by water. There are a lot of potentials in inland waterways, and that is why the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made a special ministry known as the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry,” she said.
Nigeria, according to Braimah, boasts 28 littoral states interconnected by navigable waters, with five West African countries accessible via its inland waterways. This geographical advantage, she said, presents a huge opportunity for inter-regional trade and sustainable transport — if backed by the right level of investment.
Comparing Nigeria’s slow progress with China’s rapid development, Braimah cited the Asian giant’s commitment to inland waterways investment as a model worth emulating.
“If you go to China today, they started investing in their inland waterways five years ago and you can see where they are today — it is what is making them popular in the whole world,” she remarked.
While commending the Tinubu administration for creating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Braimah emphasized that institutional frameworks alone are not enough. “Beyond policies and seminars, we have to make a commensurate investment,” she insisted.
She called for targeted funding in critical infrastructure projects such as river dredging, port development, and navigational aids, describing them as capital-intensive but essential to economic transformation.
“Our leaders must not only invest in projects that can be seen immediately, but also in those that have lasting impact — like river dredging, which will open up communities, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth,” she added.
