The newly inaugurated governing board of the National Inland Waterways Authority NIWA says it is committed to boosting the development of the agency’s activities for an improved industry.
The Chairman of the board, Mr Musa Sarkin Adar while appreciating President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity, said the board will collaborate to ensure the safety of the country’s waterways.
“During this tenure, I and my colleagues will capitalise on the meaningful improvement in key areas, such as the collective support of the management of the waterways, as well as the unified support for the industry.
“Firstly, we will collaborate and focus on enhancing the safety and security of our waterways.”
According to Sarkin Adar, the board will partner with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the agency to combat piracy and security threats that hinder inland waterways transportation.
“This will involve upgrading infrastructure, investing in modern navigational aids and strengthening partnerships with relevant agencies to combat piracy and other security threats that have hindered water transportation in our inland Waterways.
“By taking these steps, we can reduce the risk of building collapses, protect human life and property, and ensure that our waterways are used sustainably and responsibly to enhance economic growth, especially across the geopolitical zones in the country, which span between the Niger, the Guinea and Onitsha, up the coastal Atlantic Ocean,” he added.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola said the new Board comes at a time when effective institutional leadership is needed to drive infrastructure development, regulate inland water activities, promote water transport and support economic integration across regions.
Mr. Oyetola reminded the NIWA Board that their role is to provide strategic policy guidance and supervision, in accordance with the NIWA Act, while operational execution remains the responsibility of the Managing Director and the management team.
He drew attention to both the NIWA Act and relevant sections of the Public Service Rules and Public Procurement Act, which underscore the distinction between governance and management.
The NIWA Board is chaired by Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar while other members include Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, who also serves as the Managing Director; Mr. Hussaini Shettima; Mr. Jeminiwa Adewale Charles; Dr. Ndidi Jenifer Ozegbe; Engr. Prof. Sadiq Z. Abubakar; Surv. Kunle Olugbemiro; Capt. Tajudeen Alao; Mr. Dele Kelvin Oye; Capt. Jerome Angwunwe; and Hon. Hoplyn Euore Ayu.
Hauwa Abu