THE House Committee on National Inland Waterways has lauded the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, for his remarkable achievements and dedication within a short period of his tenure.
During their oversight visit to NIWA’s operational headquarters in Lokoja recently, the committee acknowledged the strides made in enhancing inland waterways operations across Nigeria.
The Chairman of the committee, Mr Ojema Ojotu, who led the delegation of seven committee members, highlighted the critical roles of inland waterways in Nigeria’s transportation framework. He emphasized their potential to enhance connectivity, reduce road congestion, and stimulate economic growth, but lamented the challenges of recurring boat mishaps, flooding, and inadequate infrastructure.
The house committee commended the MD’s leadership for implementing various impactful initiatives. These include NIWA’s decentralized safety campaign strategy, which involved extensive safety awareness programs across its operational bases and engaging stakeholders, such as state commissioners of transportation, to address insecurity and safety on waterways.
“The authority’s proactive measures, including immediate visits to accident victims and communities, have built confidence among stakeholders and users of inland waterways,” the committee stated.
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Acknowledging the funding challenges faced by NIWA, Ojotu advocated for innovative financing models, including public-private partnerships and concessional arrangements, to bridge gaps in infrastructure and capacity development.
He assured that the committee would continue to push for policies and budgetary allocations aligned with national priorities to promote sustainable development in the inland waterways sector.
Speaking earlier in his welcome address, the NIWA MD, Mr. Oyebamiji presented a detailed account of NIWA’s activities over the past year, emphasizing its focus on safety, infrastructure development, stakeholder engagement, and operational efficiency. He highlighted key milestones, including the launch of the National Transportation Code and the commissioning of operational assets, such as 15 boats, an administrative building, and a staff clinic.
