The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Bola Oyebamiji, has warned that three major river ports in Nigeria—Baro (Niger State), Oguta (Imo State), and Lokoja (Kogi State)—face the risk of abandonment unless urgent action is taken.
Oyebamiji highlighted that the projects, valued at approximately ¦ 9.4 billion, have been stalled due to inadequate funding, poor road infrastructure, and lack of dredging, despite the Federal Government’s efforts to revive them.
In an interview, he stated that while NIWA remains committed to ensuring the completion and operation of the river ports, financial constraints have hampered progress. He stressed that private sector investment is the only viable solution, as the government alone lacks the resources to sustain the projects.
To attract investors, NIWA has initiated a strategic assessment of inland waterways infrastructure and engaged stakeholders in key locations such as Onitsha, Warri, and Port Harcourt. Oyebamiji emphasised that functional river ports could significantly decongest Lagos ports, improve intermodal transport, and boost economic activity across the country.
A NIWA report revealed the alarming state of the projects. Baro Inland River Port was completed at a cost of ¦ 3.56 billion but remains non-operational due to poor road connectivity and lack of maintenance. Oguta River Port was awarded in 2009 for ¦ 2.74 billion, but only 65 per cent complete due to funding shortfalls.
Lokoja River Port was awarded in 2012 for ¦ 6.4 billion, but progress has stalled at 56 per cent completion due to inadequate budgetary allocations and rising construction costs.
Meanwhile, the Onitsha River Port, rehabilitated in 2009 under a ¦ 4.66 billion contract and later concessioned to a private operator, still requires dredging and improved navigability to operate at full capacity.
Industry stakeholders have raised concerns over the slow development of Nigeria’s inland waterways. Emeka Ogwu, a clearing agent at Onne Port, described the neglect of river ports as a missed economic opportunity, noting that functional inland ports could reduce road congestion and create thousands of jobs.
Similarly, transport economist Bala Zakka stressed that private investors would be hesitant to commit funds without government-backed dredging efforts to ensure smooth cargo movement. He warned that unless navigability issues are addressed, the ports would remain idle, wasting public resources.
With mounting challenges, NIWA is calling for immediate private sector intervention to rescue the river ports and unlock their full economic potential.
