Leveraging Inland Waterways as a Sustainable and Cost-Effective Alternative for freight and Passenger in Lokoja, Kogi State Nigeria

Transportation plays an important vital role in economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development by facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services. An efficient transport system reduces travel time and logistics costs, improves market access, and promotes trade and investment. However, the effectiveness of transportation infrastructure remains essential to national development and global competitiveness. Inland waterway transportation provides an important alternative through the use of rivers, lakes, canals, creeks, and lagoons for passenger and freight movement. It is particularly suitable for transporting heavy and bulky goods and can offer lower operating costs, greater energy efficiency, reduced road congestion. The study adopts a quantitative research approach using an explanatory survey research design. The quantitative approach is appropriate because the study seeks to collect measurable data from respondents and statistically examine the relationships between factors influencing inland waterway transportation and its adoption as an alternative to road transportation. The explanatory survey design is considered appropriate because the study goes beyond describing respondents’ perceptions to examining the extent to which factors such as transport infrastructure, safety, transportation cost, accessibility, government policy, and environmental considerations influence the adoption of inland waterways. the findings support Sustainable Transportation Theory, Modal Shift Theory, and Systems Theory. They demonstrate that increasing the benefits of inland waterways, strengthening infrastructure and government support, promoting their environmental and economic advantages, and reducing operational challenges can substantially improve the adoption of inland waterway transportation as a sustainable alternative to road transportation in Lokoja, Kogi State. One of the recommendations is that the government and relevant stakeholders should prioritize investment in modern jetties, terminals, dredging, waterway infrastructure, and navigational facilities to improve the efficiency and reliability of inland water transportation. Safety and security should also be strengthened through regular vessel inspection, enforcement of navigation regulations, provision of safety equipment, and improved emergency response systems.