Projects aimed at enhancing the operational capacities and safety protocols of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) were officially launched yesterday by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
The inauguration took place during the Minister’s visit to the NIWA headquarters in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State.
Upon arrival, Oyetola was warmly welcomed by a delegation from NIWA, headed by its Managing Director, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji.
In his address, Oyetola emphasized the crucial role of the maritime sector in bolstering Nigeria’s trade balance, fortifying the national currency, and fostering job creation.
“The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is resolute in harnessing the inherent advantages offered by our maritime resources, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he affirmed.
A significant milestone celebrated during the visit was the unveiling of the Water Transportation Code, a long-awaited regulatory framework expected to standardize water transportation practices, reduce accidents, and establish a conducive environment for potential investors. The Minister commended the NIWA management team for their efforts in bringing this pivotal code to fruition.
The inaugurated projects include 15 vessels of various capacities and functions designed to enhance surveillance, safety enforcement, and emergency response on Nigeria’s waterways. Noteworthy among the fleet are three surveillance vessels, five safety enforcement boats, a gun patrol boat, a 62-seater passenger boat to replace traditional wooden canoes as part of a pilot scheme, three water ambulances, and two hydrographic survey boats equipped with multi-beam echo sounders.
“These initiatives underscore our commitment to optimizing the utilization of our inland waterways for both cargo transport and passenger services,” Oyetola stated.
He also pledged to address internal and external challenges hindering NIWA’s operations, ensuring continuous enhancement and expansion of navigable water routes.
Regarding the ministry’s strategic plans, the Minister outlined his objective to increase navigable waterways by a minimum of 2,000 kilometers through extensive dredging. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to finalize the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) to bolster the development of the maritime sector.
Oyetola called upon the private sector to invest in and collaborate with the government, leveraging the myriad opportunities within the maritime industry to foster sustainable progress.
“We will persist in creating a conducive environment, formulating supportive policies, and providing necessary assistance to nurture growth in the Inland Waterways sector,” he affirmed.
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo, represented by his deputy, Salifu Joel, lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a competent individual as NIWA’s Managing Director.
He remarked, “As we embarked on this journey, our constituents inquired about our destination, to which I replied that we were attending a NIWA event. They queried, ‘What is NIWA?’ This signifies that until now, NIWA was relatively unknown. However, we are now acquainted with NIWA due to the appointment of a competent individual by the President, who is making a tangible impact.”
NIWA MD, Oyebamiji, acknowledged the Minister’s unwavering support and guidance in driving organizational reforms and enhancing operational effectiveness. He outlined the agency’s proactive measures, including the implementation of educational grants, promotions, and medical benefits for staff members, to elevate morale and productivity.
Oyebamiji also highlighted NIWA’s initiatives in public outreach, emergency response, and enforcement, culminating in the introduction of the initial phase of water marshal programs. These initiatives, coupled with the launch of the Transportation Code, underscore NIWA’s dedication to ensuring the safety and efficiency of inland water transportation.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, commended the NIWA management for their accomplishments thus far and encouraged them to strive for further achievements. He assured NIWA of the ministry’s unwavering support in fulfilling its mandate.
Subsequently, Oyetola officially inaugurated the newly completed projects, marking a significant stride in the advancement of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
