Benue State Cracks Down on Unregulated Activities Along River Benue and Inland Waterways

In a significant move to regulate and safeguard activities on its waterways, the Benue State Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has issued a directive for the immediate suspension of all unregistered and unlicensed operations along the Benue River, its inland waterways, tributaries, and river corridors.

The public announcement, circulated widely on social media and local platforms, emphasizes the need to curb illegal and unregulated practices that could pose risks to safety, the environment, and sustainable economic development in the sector. While specific details on the targeted activities were not elaborated in the statement, such measures typically aim to address issues like unauthorized sand dredging, illegal fishing, unregulated transportation, and other commercial exploits that have proliferated along the state’s extensive river systems.

Benue State, often referred to as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” is home to the River Benue—the second-largest river in Nigeria—which plays a vital role in transportation, fishing, agriculture, and emerging blue economy initiatives. The state government established the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy earlier in 2025 to harness the potential of its inland waterways for economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable growth, aligning with the federal government’s broader push in the marine and blue economy sector.

This suspension is seen as part of ongoing efforts to bring order to the waterways, promote eco-friendly practices, and ensure compliance with licensing requirements. Authorities are expected to enforce the directive strictly, with calls for operators to regularize their activities through proper registration and licensing processes.

Residents and stakeholders along the riverine communities have been urged to cooperate with the ministry to facilitate a smooth transition toward regulated and sustainable operations. As the ministry continues to roll out policies for the blue economy, this action underscores the government’s commitment to protecting the state’s aquatic resources while unlocking their economic value responsibly.

The development comes at a time when inland waterways across Nigeria are receiving increased attention for safety and regulation, following recent incidents and the national drive to maximize the blue economy’s contributions to GDP.