The Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has called for increased investment in the Calabar waterways to unlock new economic opportunities and enhance local commerce.
During a study visit by the Senior Executive Course 47 of the Nigeria Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), NIWA Calabar Area Manager, Stanley Onouha, emphasized the untapped potential of the area's waterways. He explained that although the region has over 487 kilometers of waterways, many remain non-navigable due to a lack of dredging and infrastructure.
"To truly harness the economic value of Calabar's waterways, we need targeted investment in dredging, ports, jetties, and access roads," Onouha stated. "This will boost traffic, improve logistics, and attract private sector participation."
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He added that with better infrastructure, the area could become a thriving hub for marine trade, tourism, and other sectors of the blue economy. Onouha also noted that improved safety advocacy has helped eliminate boat mishaps in the region.
Brigadier General Lateef Jimoh, who led the visiting NIPSS team, reiterated the institute's role in shaping national policy and applauded NIWA's commitment to unlocking new economic frontiers.
The call for investment reflects broader national conversations around expanding Nigeria's transportation infrastructure and supporting small and medium-scale businesses through improved connectivity and logistics systems.
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