Benue Targets Inland Blue Economy Growth as Ministry Engages Nigeria–Kenya Chamber

By Iyojo Ameh

The Benue State Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has initiated partnership discussions with the Nigeria–Kenya Chamber of Commerce in a move aimed at attracting strategic investments into fishing, aquaculture and inland water transportation.

The engagement took place on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the ministry’s headquarters in Makurdi, where the Honourable Commissioner, Hon.

Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Iyaghigba described the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia as a bold economic diversification strategy designed to unlock the untapped potential of Benue State’s vast inland waterways.

He noted that although the blue economy holds enormous promise for the state, its full potential can only be realised through strong local and international investments spanning infrastructure development, modern technology, logistics and human capital.

“Benue State is richly endowed with water resources, particularly the River Benue, which gives us a strategic advantage for large-scale economic transformation. To maximise this advantage, we require serious investors across key sectors,” the commissioner said.

Hon. Iyaghigba stressed that making the River Benue navigable throughout the year would be a game-changer not only for Benue State but for the entire North Central region.

According to him, sustained navigation would position the river as a major inland shipping corridor, linking Nigeria’s hinterland to international markets and extending trade routes to neighbouring countries, including Cameroon.

“This development will significantly lower transportation costs, reduce pressure on our road infrastructure and boost cross-border trade,” he added.
On aquaculture, the commissioner disclosed that Nigeria currently records an annual fish supply deficit of over two million metric tonnes, a shortfall that presents significant investment opportunities while also strengthening food security.

He revealed that the Benue State Government plans to revive abandoned and underutilised fishing ponds across the state as part of efforts to reposition aquaculture as a major source of employment and internally generated revenue.

In his response, Arc. Bob Achanya affirmed the Nigeria–Kenya Chamber of Commerce’s readiness to partner with the ministry in advancing the blue economy agenda.

He said the Chamber is particularly interested in supporting capacity-building initiatives for the ministry and its personnel, drawing from Kenya’s experience in aquaculture development, marine logistics and inland water transport management.

Arc. Achanya also indicated his interest in exploring a formal partnership agreement with Benue State to accelerate sectoral growth on a mutually beneficial basis.

The meeting is a significant step toward positioning Benue State as a leading inland blue economy hub, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the proposed collaboration would drive sustainable investment, job creation and regional economic integration.
Below are images from the visit.