The Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, has inaugurated the Project Development Committee for the proposed Niger Delta Ferry Services (NDFS), a major step toward revitalising water transport and boosting economic integration across the region.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja, Momoh said the ferry project, to be executed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), would reconnect remote riverine communities, enhance mobility, and promote socio-economic development in the Niger Delta.
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He noted that ferry transport, once the region’s primary means of movement, had long been neglected following the expansion of road networks, leaving many water-bound communities isolated.
“Even with the new coastal road, several communities still need ferry links to access major routes,” he said.
The minister explained that the committee includes representatives from the Ministries of Regional Development, Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Blue Economy, and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
Momoh, who chairs the committee, urged members to bring their expertise to ensure the project’s success.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Economy, Wale Edun, commended the initiative, saying it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and would address the region’s unique transportation challenges.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe, described the initiative as a “catalyst for inclusive growth, tourism, and private sector participation.”
The ICRC reaffirmed its commitment to fast-tracking implementation, pledging to eliminate bureaucratic delays and ensure transparency in the project’s execution.
