Momoh Launches Niger Delta Ferry Project — “Water Transport Key To Regional Growth,” Says Minister

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The Honourable Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh FNSE, has inaugurated the Project Development Committee for the proposed Niger Delta Ferry Services (NDFS) — a Public-Private Partnership initiative aimed at transforming water transportation and boosting economic activities across the Niger Delta.

Speaking during the inauguration at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, Engr. Momoh described the project as a major step toward reconnecting riverine communities and promoting inclusive development.

> “Before the development of Nigeria’s road networks, ferry transport was the main means of movement in the Niger Delta,” Momoh said. “This project will reconnect communities, improve trade, and drive inclusive growth.”

The Minister, who also chairs the committee, emphasized that even with new road projects like the Coastal Highway, ferry services remain vital for linking hard-to-reach areas.

In his remarks, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, commended Momoh for ensuring continuity in governance, noting that efficient transport systems are “the backbone of economic growth and regional prosperity.”

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, highlighted that the new ferry system will enhance accessibility, reduce travel time, and unlock new opportunities for millions in the region.

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) pledged its full support, confirming that a unified Project Development Committee will oversee implementation to avoid delays.

The committee includes representatives from the Ministries of Regional Development, Marine and Blue Economy, Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the ICRC.

The Niger Delta Ferry Services project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to infrastructure expansion and regional economic integration.