Comparative Study of Inland Waterway Management in North-Central and South-South Geo-Political Zones of Nigeria

Abstract

This study provides the empirical comparative analysis of inland waterway management in North-Central and South-South Geo-Political Zones of Nigeria as a critical gap in transport literature. Inland Waterway transport (IWT) in Nigeria with more than 3,000 km of navigable inland waterways presents a strong potential opportunity for decongesting road networks, reduction of costs of logistics and significantly enhance regional integration. However, due to variations in hydrology, institutional capacity, differential security issues, and economic dynamics, management practices differ in these Zones. The study is premised on mixed-method approach through secondary data review, field Observations and relevant informant interviews with 48 stakeholders among officials of NIWA, boat operators, and passengers community leaders across the two zones. Thematic and descriptive method were adopted for data analysis using SPSS version 26 for data entry. Findings showed that the North Central comprised transit terminals in Lokoja, Baro, Idah, Gbajibo, Makurdi on Niger-Benue confluence and are strategic waterway corridors. These terminals are however constrained by infrastructure limitations, seasonal navigation and analog modes of operation. The South-South Zone is characterized by coastal accessibility with densely network of creeks, partial private sector involvement and higher traffic volume. Major constraints in this zone include environmental pollution, multiple regulatory frameworks and insecurity. Major Challenges in the study area among others are funding deficits, low level of digitalization and poor enforcement of safety codes. The study concludes that while the North-Central possesses strategic comparative advantage for national Cargo integration, the South-South has strategic advantage in all-year-round navigation and traffic. This underscores why leveraging digital technology, Public-Private Partnership and specific policies of intervention and relevance could help to open up the economic greatness of IWT in the study area. The paper recommends digital transformation, infrastructure upgrade and harmonized regulatory framework peculiar to each zone with a view to optimize the management processes for economic growth and sustainability in the study area.