Kogi State Government says it will collaborate with the Federal Government and the Nigeria Navy to maximize opportunities that abound in the nation’s inland waterways.

Governor Yahaya Bello stated this when he received the. Commandant, Naval War College, and members of National Warfare Course Six in Lokoja.

Represented by his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja, Governor Bello said the presence of Rivers Niger and Benue were critical in the economic transformation of the waterways transport sector hence the need for their full utilization.

According to him, the Warfare Course 6; Inland Waterways and Socio Economic Development, a case study of Kogi was apt in view of the current security challenges bedeviling the nation.

He expressed the hope that a beneficial outcome would emerge at the end of the tour to be used to transform the maritime sub sector.

The Governor commended the Nigeria Navy efforts at policing and safeguarding the waterways in the State against criminal elements.

In a remark, the Commandant, Naval War College, Nigeria and Leader of the Team, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwale said the participants were in the State for a study tour as it was strategically located in the utilization of inland waterways.

He said the Nigeria Navy was preparing a security architecture to create an enabling environment for unhindered socio economic activities on the nation’s waterways.

Earlier, Kogi State Security Adviser, Retired Navy Commander Jerry Duro Omodara disclosed that Government was reviewing it’s vigilante law for better service delivery around the State waterways.

Omodara said the State Government would continue to synergize with relevant bodies to provide appropriate facilities like jetties and boats in Idah, Ajaokuta, Ganaja, Shintaku and other riverine communities for optimum safety.

Speaking on behalf of the 24 National Warfare Course 6 participants, Commander Muhammad Sani Idris who expressed appreciation to the government for hosting the team said it would come up with impactful recommendations at the end of the environmental study tour.