Ododo reaffirms partnership with NIWA to improve water transport

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to improve water transportation, enhance safety on the nation’s waterways, and promote economic development.

Governor Ododo gave the assurance while receiving the Chairman of the NIWA Board of Directors, Barr. Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, and members of the authority’s management team at his official residence in Lokoja.

The governor announced that the state government would immediately constitute a joint committee with NIWA to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the sustainable development of inland waterways in Kogi State.

According to him, the roadmap will prioritise the construction and rehabilitation of jetties in rural communities, improve water transport infrastructure, and create employment opportunities for young people across the state.

He expressed appreciation to the NIWA management for the visit, describing it as a significant step towards fostering stronger cooperation between the state government and the authority.

He also expressed optimism that the partnership would accelerate the development of inland waterways in Kogi and across the country.

Earlier, the Chairman of the NIWA Board of Directors, Barr. Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, noted that Kogi State occupies a strategic position due to its extensive inland waterways, which, if properly harnessed, could significantly contribute to the economic growth of both the state and the nation.

He explained that NIWA’s efforts align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Blue Economy agenda and reiterated the authority’s commitment to working closely with the Kogi State Government to unlock the vast potential of the state’s waterways.

Shagari said NIWA would seek the state’s collaboration in the development and rehabilitation of jetties and landing sites, dredging and maintenance of navigable channels, promotion of safe water transportation, and strengthening security and safety along inland waterways.

He assured Governor Ododo of NIWA’s readiness to partner with the state in transforming Kogi’s waterways into a major driver of sustainable development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Government’s Blue Economy Vision.

The NIWA delegation included the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Yusuf Umar Girei; General Manager, Human Resources and Administration, Abdullahi Dabai; General Manager, Procurement, Ibrahim Sade; General Manager, Audit, Japhet Maisaje; General Manager, Planning, Research and Statistics, Muazu Dan’azumi; General Manager, Engineering, Engr. Fidelis Ejike; General Manager, Ports and Environment, Engr. Titus Adoga; and Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Suleiman Makama.