Investment Needed for Year-Round Lower Niger River Navigation

On Wednesday, during the 44th inaugural lecture at Federal University Lokoja, Professor Anthony Danladi Ali, the current Head of Department of History and International Studies, called for sustained government commitment to dredging the lower Niger River. His lecture, titled “Politics of Transportation; Dredging and Navigability on the Lower Niger River (LNR), 1901–2023,” explored the historical, political, and economic aspects of inland water transportation in Nigeria.

Professor Ali identified two perspectives on dredging: “The Cynics,” who view it as impractical, and the “Positivists,” who believe it is feasible for enabling year-round navigation by ocean-going vessels. He noted that Nigeria's transportation infrastructure, largely established during colonial times, has not adequately served local developmental needs.

He argued that the lower Niger River is underutilized and could alleviate pressure on existing transport systems. He recommended that the Federal Government prioritize annual dredging and invest in intermodal transport systems and canals to enhance economic activities along the river.