Customs Explores Inland Waterways in Kogi for Trade Facilitation

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

To improve trade facilitation, ease cargo movement and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is considering exploring inland waterways in Kogi State and its environs.

Last Friday, the North Western Marine Command (NWMC) of the customs held talks with stakeholders in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

At the event themed Engaging Stakeholders for Effective Collaboration, representatives of the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), Kogi State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KOCCIMA), the National Shippers Association, the Nigerian Miners and Sesame Seed Commodity Association, freight forwarders, and officials of the NCS brainstormed on how to make this a reality.

The Comptroller of NWMC, Nnamdi Agwu, a Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC), reaffirmed the command’s commitment to operational efficiency, legitimate trade and stronger engagement with the business community.

“We recognise that effective collaboration with stakeholders is essential to improving trade facilitation and supporting economic development. By maintaining open communication and addressing operational challenges together, we can identify practical ways to strengthen legitimate trade and improve the movement of goods across Kogi State and the wider northern region.” DC Agwu said.

During the interactive session, stakeholder representative, Edwin Ignaji, highlighted Lokoja’s strategic position at the confluence of the River Niger and River Benue, noting its potential to serve as an inland waterway logistics hub linking agricultural producers, manufacturers and other cargo owners to markets across the country.

Ignaji also drew attention to road transport challenges, including multiple charges, checkpoint delays, storage costs, accidents, security concerns and poor road conditions, adding, “Inland waterway transportation could offer an alternative for some cargo movements, provided the necessary infrastructure, navigational reliability, security and commercially viable operating arrangements were in place.”

“We need sustained engagement among the customs, relevant government agencies, business associations and private-sector operators to determine how inland waterways can be developed to serve the needs of businesses. Any proposed arrangement must be practical, secure and commercially sustainable,” he added.