The newly sworn-in Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy in Benue State, Denis Ter Iyaghigba has begun the inspection of strategic operational sites along the River Benue, in a move to facilitate effective planning and implementation of critical projects in the sector.
Iyaghigba is among 17 commissioners recently inaugurated by Governor Hyacinth Alia and has been charged to drive the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, as a deliberate step by the government to harness the economic potential of Benue’s waterways and promote sustainable development.
NewsQuest reports that Iyaghigba’s inspections is expected to serve as a guide in delivering on initiatives such as river transport, integrated aquaculture, and other blue economy projects.
The Ministry is part of Governor Alia’s broader strategy to leverage the state’s inland water resources for economic growth, security, and improvement in the livelihoods of millions of citizens.
Iyaghigba as pioneer commissioner of the Ministry, will work to also help align the state’s blue economic initiative with the federal government’s push to enhance inland waterway security and development, including the establishment of naval special operations along the River Benue.
Our correspondent gathered that the high-powered visit of inspection, which started on Thursday, 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- the state capital.
During the tour, the commissioner engaged directly with stakeholders, boat operators, and facility managers.
Speaking during the tour, the Commissioner stressed the need to rethink existing policies guiding marine activities and streamline revenue collection systems to ensure fairness, transparency, and sustainable development.
At the landing jetty, the General Manager, Mr. Terna Gabriel Terna, lamented the poor state of infrastructure and called for urgent upgrades.
