The Technical Mapping of the Niger/Benue Basin Will Improve Net Export In Nigeria

The federal government’s launch of the hydrographic survey and charting of the lower rivers of the Niger and Benue has been seen as a progressive effort to foster economic growth and diversification using  Nigeria’s water resource as its conduit.

The Nigerian Navy alongside the National Inland Waterways Authority and Nigerian Export Import Bank developed the initiate  to catalyze trade prospects. This was according to Admiral Gambo of the Nigerian Navy.

Admiral Gambo, speaking at the commencement of the Julius Berger Jetty in Ajaokuta Kogi state, further revealed that the water resource project was a development succinctly accepted due to impact on trade and commercial activities amongst coastline countries.

He revealed that the National Inland waterways and Department of Hydrographic of Nigerian Navy are in the process of commencing technical and broad survey of the landscape structure and lower river patterns of Niger and Benue state.

However, Admiral Gambo bemoaned Nigeria’s inability to utilize its abundant natural resources due to improper technical details such as charting and mapping functions, Which could multiply the economies net export.

Concurrently, George Maghalu, The Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority NIWA acknowledged the government’s efforts towards the promotion of the project. He further stated that massive momentum would be given to NIWA for the growth and development of inland water transportation system in the country.

Mr Maghalu elucidated that the water resource project will increase economic growth in terms of gross domestic product (GDP), attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), drive employment opportunities and create an amicable atmosphere for intra-trade due to direct maritime linkage consistency.