Harnessing Waterways for Commercial Purposes: Turkey’s Success Story and Lessons for Nigeria

By King Wale AdeSanya

Introduction:

As we wind-up our business and discovery visit to Turkiye; we were hosted to a dinner on a beautiful commercial boat for dinner for about 200 people.

It was incredible how it was all put together like a Restaurant on the Sea.

Water is a valuable natural resource that holds significant potential for commercial development.

In this article, we will explore Turkiye’s successful utilization of its waterways for commercial purposes and discuss how Nigeria can learn from its experience to enhance its own economic growth and development.

Turkiye’s Waterways and Commercial Potential:
Turkiye is blessed with an extensive network of waterways, including rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. This abundant water resource has played a pivotal role in the country’s economic progress, as it has been effectively harnessed for various commercial activities.

1. Transportation:

Turkiye has fully embraced the potential of water transportation as an efficient means of moving goods and passengers. The country has developed a robust system of ports, river terminals, and marinas along its waterways, facilitating interconnectivity and improving transport logistics. This has provided cost-effective transport options, reduced road congestion, and fostered regional trade.

Nigeria can learn from this model by investing in its water transportation infrastructure. Establishing well-maintained ports, enhancing connectivity between waterways and industries, and developing inland water transportation systems can significantly boost Nigeria’s commercial activities and stimulate regional economic growth.

2. Tourism and Recreation:

Turkiye has skillfully utilized its waterways to attract tourists and promote leisure activities. The picturesque coastlines, lakes, and rivers have been developed into flourishing tourist destinations, offering a range of water-based recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and water sports. This has propelled the growth of the tourism sector, creating employment opportunities and bolstering the economy.

Nigeria, with its own wealth of natural resources and scenic waterways like the Niger and Benue rivers, can learn from Turkiye’s success. By investing in infrastructure, promoting tourist-friendly policies, and developing water-based recreational facilities, Nigeria can unlock its untapped potential in the tourism industry and attract both domestic and international visitors.

3. Agriculture and Irrigation:

Turkiye has made significant strides in utilizing its waterways for agricultural activities, particularly through irrigation systems. By harnessing rivers and lakes, the country has increased its agricultural productivity and achieved self-sufficiency in various crops. Efficient irrigation practices have significantly contributed to the development of a vibrant agricultural sector, reducing reliance on rainwater and improving food security.

Nigeria can adopt Turkey’s irrigation practices by investing in modern irrigation infrastructure and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Access to reliable water sources for irrigation can transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, enhancing crop yields, and contributing to national food security.

Conclusion:

Turkiye’s success in harnessing its waterways for commercial purposes provides valuable lessons for Nigeria. By prioritizing investments in water transportation infrastructure, promoting tourism and recreation, and developing irrigation systems for agriculture, Nigeria can leverage its impressive water resources to drive economic growth, job creation, and overall development.

It is important for Nigeria to adopt a multidimensional approach, involving collaboration between relevant government agencies, private sector participation, and the encouragement of sustainable practices. By doing so, Nigeria can unlock the immense potential of its waterways, contributing to the socioeconomic advancement of the nation.

King Wale AdeSanya is the National Chairman of the Nigerian and Canadian Business Network https://www.ncbn.ca headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He can be reached at King@ncbn.ca
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