NIWA moves to unlock west coast trade corridor with smart cargo jetty plan
Maureen Aguta
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has signalled a major push to reposition Nigeria as a hub for regional maritime trade, unveiling plans to facilitate the development of a West Coast cargo jetty designed to streamline the movement of goods and services across West Africa.
The initiative, which aligns with broader efforts to optimise Nigeria’s underutilised inland waterways, will see the possible operationalisation of select existing jetties as part of a pilot phase to boost cargo traffic between Nigeria and Ghana.
This was disclosed during a high-level joint inspection of the Marina Jetty in Lagos on Thursday, involving officials from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), NIWA, and a Ghanaian delegation comprising corporate stakeholders and private sector trade representatives.
Leading NIWA’s delegation, the Acting Managing Director, Mr. Yusuf Girei, reaffirmed the Authority’s readiness to drive the project, emphasising the strategic importance of modern, integrated waterfront infrastructure in facilitating efficient cargo operations.
He noted that NIWA’s assets—spanning an extensive network of inland waterways—offer a unique advantage for developing a technology-driven logistics system capable of ensuring seamless cargo movement with direct access to critical commercial hubs in Lagos and beyond.
According to Girei, the proposed West Coast cargo jetty is envisioned as a catalyst for regional trade integration, reducing logistical bottlenecks while opening new channels for commerce within the sub-region.
“We are committed to leveraging our infrastructure and operational expertise to facilitate regional trade and connectivity,” he said.
“Our track record, particularly along the Calabar–Cameroon corridor, underscores the viability of inland water transport as a driver of market access and economic expansion across borders.”
He was accompanied on the inspection by NIWA’s General Manager (Marine), Engr. Horsefall Dakio, and the Lagos Area Manager, Engr. Sarat Braimah, both of whom highlighted the Authority’s technical readiness to scale inland cargo operations in line with global best practices.
Industry observers say the move reflects a growing policy shift toward multimodal transport solutions, with inland waterways increasingly seen as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to overburdened road networks.
If successfully implemented, the West Coast cargo jetty project could significantly deepen trade linkages between Nigeria and neighbouring countries, positioning Lagos as a pivotal gateway for intra-African commerce while reinforcing the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda.