By Harriet Tornguvan
The Benue State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all unregistered and unlicensed activities along the Benue River and its inland waterways, as part of renewed efforts to safeguard the environment and regulate the blue economy sector.
The directive, issued by the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, affects all river corridors, tributaries and inland waterways across the state.
According to the statement, the suspension covers boat and canoe operations, ferry services, sand and gravel dredging, fishing and aquaculture, as well as brick-laying and construction along riverbanks. Also affected are loading and offloading activities at unauthorised jetties, alongside any form of commercial or mining operations within the river corridor.
The ministry directed all existing and intending operators to report to the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy at the State Secretariat Complex in Makurdi for registration, verification and the issuance of relevant permits and licences.
Registration is scheduled to commence December 15, and will close on January 30, 2026, after which enforcement of the directive will begin in full.
The state government said the exercise is aimed at promoting environmental safety, strengthening eco-friendly marine transportation, curbing illegal activities on the waterways and enhancing sustainable revenue generation for Benue State.
The ministry warned that operators who fail to comply within the stipulated period risk sanctions once enforcement begins.
