Table of Contents
- Suspension of Activities
- Commissioner's Statement
- Registration Process
- Enforcement Timeline
- Purpose of the Directive
The Benue State Government has announced the immediate suspension of all unregistered and unlicensed activities along the Benue River, its inland waterways, tributaries, and river corridors.
The Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba, made this announcement in a statement on Wednesday.
The suspended activities encompass boat and canoe operations, ferry services, sand and gravel dredging and excavation, fishing and aquaculture, brick-laying and construction along riverbanks, loading and offloading at unauthorized jetties, as well as any commercial or mining activities in the river corridor.
He emphasized that all current and prospective operators must report to the Ministry at the State Secretariat Complex in Makurdi for registration, verification, and the issuance of permits and licenses.
Iyaghigba noted that registration began on Monday, December 15, and will conclude on Friday, January 30, 2026.
He further stated that enforcement will commence immediately after this registration period.
Iyaghigba explained that this initiative aims to ensure environmental safety, enhance eco-friendly marine transport, combat illegal activities, and foster sustainable revenue generation for Benue State.
What activities are suspended along the Benue River? The suspended activities include boat and canoe operations, ferry services, sand and gravel dredging and excavation, fishing and aquaculture, brick-laying and construction along riverbanks, loading and offloading at unauthorized jetties, and any commercial or mining activities in the river corridor.
The suspended activities include boat and canoe operations, ferry services, sand and gravel dredging and excavation, fishing and aquaculture, brick-laying and construction along riverbanks, loading and offloading at unauthorized jetties, and any commercial or mining activities in the river corridor.
How can operators register for activities? Operators must report to the Ministry at the State Secretariat Complex in Makurdi for registration, verification, and the issuance of permits and licenses.
Operators must report to the Ministry at the State Secretariat Complex in Makurdi for registration, verification, and the issuance of permits and licenses.
When does the registration period begin and end? Registration commenced on Monday, December 15, and will close on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Registration commenced on Monday, December 15, and will close on Friday, January 30, 2026.
What is the purpose of this suspension and registration initiative? The initiative aims to ensure environmental safety, enhance eco-friendly marine transport, combat illegal activities, and promote sustainable revenue generation for Benue State.
The initiative aims to ensure environmental safety, enhance eco-friendly marine transport, combat illegal activities, and promote sustainable revenue generation for Benue State.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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