NIWA, Bangladesh Move to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation in Inland Water Transportation
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Government of Bangladesh are exploring bilateral cooperation aimed at strengthening inland water transportation through technical exchange, capacity building, infrastructure development and investment opportunities.
The proposed partnership was discussed during a courtesy visit by the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, His Excellency Miah Mohammad Mainul Kabir, to the NIWA Management at its Liaison Office in Abuja.
Receiving the delegation, NIWA’s Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mal. Umar Yusuf Girei, described the visit as an opportunity to deepen institutional relations between both countries, particularly given their shared potential as riverine nations.
Girei highlighted Bangladesh’s extensive inland waterways network of approximately 24,000 kilometres, which accounts for over 25 per cent of passenger transportation and facilitates the movement of millions of tonnes of cargo.
He contrasted this with Nigeria’s estimated 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways, noting that the River Niger and River Benue remain major waterways, providing navigable access to about 28 of the country’s 36 states.
According to him, Bangladesh’s experience in leveraging inland waterways for transportation and economic development offers valuable lessons for Nigeria as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to harness the sector’s economic potential.
He identified potential areas of collaboration to include technical and knowledge exchange in dredging, channel maintenance, ensuring year-round navigability, and the development and management of river ports, jetties and passenger ferry systems.
In his remarks, the Bangladesh High Commissioner expressed appreciation to the NIWA Management for the warm reception, stressing that both countries have significant opportunities to benefit from mutually rewarding partnerships in inland water transportation.
Kabir identified dredging, boat construction, marine equipment manufacturing and capacity building through training and retraining as key areas where Bangladesh could contribute its experience and technical expertise.
Both parties expressed optimism that the engagement would lead to concrete cooperation initiatives and sustainable institutional partnerships capable of advancing inland water transportation and economic development in Nigeria and Bangladesh.
0 Comments