By Lubem Gena, Makurdi
The Benue State Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has commenced strategic partnership discussions with the Nigeria–Kenya Chamber of Commerce, aimed at unlocking investment opportunities in fishing, aquaculture and inland water transportation.
The high-level engagement began on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the ministry’s headquarters in Makurdi, where the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba, hosted the Global President of the bilateral Nigeria–Kenya Chamber of Commerce, Arc. Bob Achanya.
Hon. Iyaghigba described the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by the administration of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia as “a decisive and forward-looking step” toward diversifying Benue State’s economy and harnessing the untapped value of its vast inland waterways.
According to the commissioner, the blue economy sector in Benue holds enormous economic promise but requires multilayered local and foreign investment to reach its full potential.
“Benue State is naturally endowed with extensive water resources, particularly the River Benue, which positions us strategically for large-scale economic transformation. To actualise this vision, we need serious investors in infrastructure, technology, logistics and human capacity”, he stated.
Hon. Iyaghigba emphasized that the economic trajectory of not only Benue State but the entire North Central region would change significantly if the River Benue becomes navigable all year round.
He noted that continuous navigation would transform the river into a major inland shipping hub, linking Nigeria’s hinterland to international markets and extending trade routes as far as the Republic of Cameroon.
“This will drastically reduce the cost of transportation, ease pressure on road networks and stimulate cross-border commerce,” the commissioner added.
On fisheries development, Hon. Iyaghigba disclosed that Nigeria currently faces a deficit of over two million metric tonnes of fish annually, a gap that presents vast opportunities for investment and food security.
He explained that the Benue State Government is committed to reviving moribund fishing ponds across the state as part of a broader plan to reposition aquaculture as a major employer of labour and contributor to internally generated revenue.
Earlier in his remarks, Arc. Bob Achanya expressed the Chamber’s readiness to collaborate with the ministry in advancing the marine and blue economy agenda.
He revealed that the Nigeria–Kenya (bilateral) Chamber of Commerce is particularly interested in facilitating capacity-building opportunities for the ministry and its workforce, leveraging Kenya’s experience in aquaculture, marine logistics and water transport management.
Arc. Achanya also hinted that he is interested in exploring the possibility of signing a formal partnership agreement with Benue State to accelerate industry growth on a mutually beneficial, win–win basis.
The meeting marked a significant step toward positioning Benue State as a leading inland blue economy hub in West and East Africa, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the partnership would translate into sustainable investment, job creation and regional economic integration.
Below are some of the images taken during the visit.
