Nigeria's Inland Waterways to Cut Logistics Costs

The Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by Permanent Secretary Fatima Sugra Tabi Mahmood of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, has announced that increasing the use of inland waterways will significantly lower logistics costs. This statement was made during a courtesy visit to Rear Admiral Muhsin Abba (Rtd), CEO of Admiralty Maritime Services Limited.

Mahmood noted that optimizing Nigeria's vast aquatic resources is crucial for reducing market prices of goods and services, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the Nigerian economy. She emphasized the ministry's commitment to policies that align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision of positioning Nigeria as a global maritime leader.

Mahmood also acknowledged Nigeria's achievement in maintaining piracy-free territorial waters for three consecutive years. Rear Admiral Muhsin Abba (Rtd) identified operational hurdles that limit the efficiency of Nigeria's maritime gateways, particularly in Lagos, Warri, Calabar, and Port Harcourt, and stressed the need for strategic dredging interventions to improve navigational safety and increase vessel traffic.