The National Inland Waterways Authority has announced plans to facilitate the development of a West Coast cargo jetty aimed at enhancing the seamless movement of goods and services across the sub-region.
In a recent statement, the agency said that the development was part of a strategic move to maximise Nigeria’s vast inland waterways.
According to the statement, this was made known during a joint inspection of the Marina Jetty in Lagos last week by officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Immigration Service, NIWA, and a delegation from Ghana comprising corporate and private sector trade representatives.
NIWA also stressed that it may operationalise some of its existing jetties to boost cargo traffic between Nigeria and Ghana as a pilot phase of the initiative.
Speaking during the event, the acting Managing Director of NIWA, Mr Yusuf Girei, reiterated the agency’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 explained that NIWA’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.
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