By Joshua Yousouph
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has unveiled plans to facilitate the development of a West Coast cargo jetty as part of efforts to enhance seamless movement of goods and services across the sub-region.
The Authority disclosed that it is considering the operationalisation of some of its existing jetties to boost cargo traffic between Nigeria and Ghana, with the initiative expected to commence on a pilot basis.
The development was revealed during a joint inspection of the Marina Jetty in Lagos on Thursday by officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), NIWA, and a Ghanaian delegation comprising corporate and private sector trade representatives.
Speaking during the visit, NIWA’s Acting Managing Director, Yusuf Girei, reaffirmed the Authority’s readiness to support the proposed West Coast cargo jetty project. He noted that NIWA possesses extensive waterfront infrastructure capable of driving efficient, technology-driven cargo operations with direct access to key markets within Lagos.
Girei, who was accompanied by NIWA’s General Manager (Marine), Horsefall Dakio, and the Lagos Area Manager, Sarat Braimah, emphasized that the Authority’s expansive inland waterways network positions it as a critical enabler of cargo movement across West Africa.
He added that NIWA’s operational experience along the Calabar–Cameroon route provides a solid foundation for replicating similar initiatives along 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 stated.
