Nigeria and Bangladesh explore cooperation in inland water transportation, focusing on dredging, boat construction, river ports, marine equipment manufacturing, technical training and infrastructure development.
Nigeria's National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Government of Bangladesh are exploring bilateral cooperation to strengthen inland water transportation, with a focus on technical knowledge exchange, infrastructure development, capacity building and investment opportunities. The proposed partnership aims to help Nigeria improve the utilisation of its waterways by drawing on Bangladesh's experience in developing river-based transportation networks.
The discussions took place during a courtesy visit by Bangladesh's High Commissioner to Nigeria, Miah Mohammad Mainul Kabir, to NIWA's management at its liaison office in Abuja. NIWA's Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Umar Yusuf Girei, described the engagement as an opportunity to strengthen institutional relations between the two countries, which share significant inland waterway resources and economic potential.
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Girei highlighted Bangladesh's approximately 24,000 kilometres of waterways, which account for more than 25% of passenger transportation in the country and facilitate the movement of millions of tonnes of cargo. He compared this with Nigeria's estimated 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways, where the River Niger and River Benue serve as major navigational routes, providing access to approximately 28 of the country's 36 states.
According to the NIWA chief, Bangladesh's experience in integrating waterways into its transportation and economic systems could offer valuable lessons as Nigeria works to unlock the commercial potential of its inland navigation network. Improving waterway infrastructure and operational capabilities could also provide additional transportation options for passengers and freight.
Potential areas of collaboration include technical and knowledge exchange in dredging, channel maintenance and measures to maintain year-round navigability. Both countries are also considering cooperation in the development and management of river ports, jetties and passenger ferry services. These areas are important for improving connectivity and strengthening the infrastructure required for reliable inland water transportation.
In his response, Kabir expressed interest in developing a mutually beneficial partnership and identified dredging, boat construction, marine equipment manufacturing and professional training as key areas where Bangladesh could share its expertise. He also highlighted the importance of training and retraining personnel to improve technical capabilities and support the effective management of waterways infrastructure.
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The proposed engagement could create opportunities for knowledge transfer, institutional development and private-sector participation in the inland water transport industry. For Nigeria, collaboration with Bangladesh could support efforts to improve navigability, modernise river transport facilities and expand the movement of goods and passengers through alternative routes.
Both delegations expressed optimism that the discussions would lead to practical cooperation and sustainable institutional partnerships, supporting inland water transportation, trade and broader economic development in the two countries. However, the engagement remains exploratory, with no formal agreement or specific investment commitment announced.