…Lauds Governor Alia’s vision to create the ministry
By Lubem Gena
In a bold move to reposition Benue State’s marine sector for greater efficiency and economic growth, the pioneer Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Honourable Denis Ter Iyaghigba, has begun a strategic inspection tour of key operational sites along the River Benue.
Our correspondent gathered that the high-powered visit, which started today, took the Commissioner and his entourage to the old defunct John Holts jetty, the sand and gravel bank, and the river-going jetty near Wadata Market all in Makurdi, where he engaged directly with stakeholders, boat operators, and facility managers.
Speaking during the tour, the Commissioner emphasized that the initiative was in line with the vision of His Excellency, Revd Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State, to unlock the economic potential of the state’s waterways for trade, transportation, and job creation.
“His Excellency, Governor Alia, has given us a clear mandate to rethink existing policies guiding marine activities, streamline revenue collection systems, and ensure fairness, transparency, and sustainable development. What we are doing today is the first step in translating that vision into practical action.
“Our waterways hold huge economic potential, but we must review the prevailing policies and revenue structures to create an environment where businesses can thrive while government gets its due,” Hon. Iyaghigba stated.
At the landing jetty, the General Manager, Mr. Terna Gabriel, lamented the poor state of infrastructure and called for urgent upgrades.
He also decried the huge revenue remittances to multiple government agencies, which, according to him, affect smooth operations.
Similarly, at the sand and gravel bank, the site coordinator, Mr. Matthew Asemanyiam, disclosed that operators pay about ₦5 million across several agencies, including the Ministry of Solid Minerals, the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and others.
Interacting with the executives of the boat riders’ association, Mr. Idako Abel and Mr. Adagyonyo Mohammed, the Commissioner assured them of his ministry’s readiness to partner with stakeholders to boost economic activities along the waterways.
In an interview, the duo congratulated the Commissioner on his well deserved appointment noting that they look upto to him to harness the huge potentials in the industry.
They promised to throw their weight behind him and willingness to closely work with the ministry.
They however lamented the poor infrastructural base of their operational areas but commended the Marine Police and Nigerian Navy for their consistent efforts in safeguarding the state’s territorial waters.
The Commissioner was accompanied by a strong delegation, including Hon. Richard Imoter Nomkpo, Engr. Msonter Zasha, Mr. Lubem Gena, Sir. Teddy Terna Kandeor, Mr. Francis Maande, Mr. Harris Dela, Prophet Isaiah Gbem, and Mr. Ephraim Makar.
The inspection tour is to continue with visits to other critical locations as the ministry sets its sights on revamping Benue’s marine economy and unlocking new opportunities for revenue generation as well as wealth creation for the people.
Below are sights and sounds of the visits.
