Commercial Shipping Vessels were navigated far inland. The river traffic contributed to the development of a timber industry as well as oil palm and rubber plantations in Nigeria. It also allowed for the easy and cheap outlet for other exportable products as well as the importation of various goods. The way of life for the dwellers of the river country was changed forever. With the increasing demands for cheap transportation today, focus has come on the Niger.
Projects are currently underway to improve the navigability of the Niger River system.
The provision of adequate river ports and places for the handling of freight are also underway. During the Rainy Season, heavy rains in the highlands of Guinea feed the Niger. Gradually the waters swell until they flood the flatlands of Mali. These floodwaters spread out into connected streams and lagoons, from where they spill out into sodden marshes. It is this that becomes the Inland Delta.