The Benue State Government, through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, has recruited 100 maritime marshals to improve safety, security, and coordination of activities along the River Benue.
The initiative is part of the state’s broader effort to develop its inland waterways and fully harness the economic opportunities within the blue economy sector.
Officials say it is aimed at enhancing water transportation, protecting river users, and promoting safer commercial operations along the river.
The newly recruited marshals will be stationed at key locations along the River Benue, where they will monitor activities, enforce safety regulations, and support the movement of passengers and goods. They are also expected to assist in emergency response situations, regulate water transport operators, and ensure compliance with safety standards.
The exercise is being supervised by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Marine and Waterways, Hon. Paulugbubebe Bebe, whose office has been instrumental in developing policies to strengthen waterways management in the state.
Authorities say the marshals will serve as frontline personnel in maintaining order on the river, especially as the government promotes inland water transport as a safer and more efficient alternative in suitable areas.
Beyond safety enforcement, the recruitment is also expected to create job opportunities for young people. The marshals will undergo basic training in maritime safety, surveillance, and rescue operations to prepare them for their responsibilities.
Stakeholders in the transport and maritime sector have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a step in the right direction toward improving regulation and efficiency along the River Benue. They believe it will help reduce risks, boost confidence among users, and encourage more commercial activities on the waterways.
The government also noted that a well-managed river system could expand economic opportunities in agriculture, trade, and transportation, given the river’s importance to surrounding communities.
With this deployment, Benue State is expected to strengthen its inland water management system and move closer to its goal of developing a sustainable and productive blue economy.
