Safer Waterways: Oyetola Inaugurates Landmark Projects At NIWA

The confluence town and headquarters of the National Inland Waterways Authority(NIWA), Lokoja played host to top dignitaries who came to witness the inauguration of landmark projects under NIWA.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Exonomy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola was on ground to commission the projects which include: 3 PC W23 boats with 150HP engine for surveillance , 5 PC W23 boats with double 75HP engine for enforcement of safety rules, 1 gun patrol boat (Combat ready) with 115HP engine for emergency response to security threat.

Others are: 1 62-seater passenger boat , 3 water ambulances, 2 hydrographic survey boats with multi-beam echo sounders and other projects which include; administrative building, Staff clinic, police post, general reception and firefighting truck.

The programme also witnessed the long-awaited Water Transportation Code, which is a new regulatory framework expected to significantly standardize water transportation, minimize accidents, and provide a structured environment for potential investors.

Speaking at a ceremony before the official inauguration of the projects, the Minister of Marine and Blue Exonomy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola explained that the projects is an effort to ensure safer waterways, make life better for members of staff, create jobs and boost the economy.

While stressing that the move is a further fulfillment of the Ministries commitment to ensure that the waterways are fully utilised, the Minister maintained that the opportunities in the sector will continue to be pursued to accelerate growth.

He said the Ministry under his administration will continue to ensure that the overall objectives of the Marine and Blue Exonomy is fully achieved for the benefit of all sundry as mandated by the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Hammed Tinubu.

The Minister took time to eulogise the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority NIWA, Mr Bola Oyebamiji for addressing most of the mandates given him within a short period in office.

“These initiatives fulfill our commitment to ensuring our inland waterways are well-utilized for both cargo shipment and passenger transportation.

“We will continue to create an enabling environment, develop supportive policies, and offer necessary assistance to grow the Inland Waterways segment,” he assured.

Speaking on the occasion, Kogi Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, represented by his deputy, Comrade Salifu Joel, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing the right person as NIWA’s MD.

He further said “When we were coming here, our people asked where we were going, I told them we were going to a NIWA’s event. They asked, ‘which one is NIWA?’ This means until now, no one knows NIWA. But we know NIWA now because the President has appointed the right person that is making impact.”

In his welcome address, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, the Managing Director/CEO of NIWA, expressed gratitude for the Honourable Minister’s support and guidance in driving organizational reforms and enhancing operational efficiency. He outlined the agency’s proactive measures, including the implementation of education grants, promotion letters, and medical packages for staff, to boost morale and productivity.

Mr. Oyebamiji also highlighted NIWA’s initiatives in public engagement, emergency response, and enforcement, culminating in the launch of the first phase of water marshal initiatives. These efforts, coupled with the unveiling of the Transportation Code, he said, underscore NIWA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of inland water transportation.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, commended the NIWA management for the feat achieved so far and encouraged it to do more. He also assured NIWA of the ministry’s support in actualising its mandate.