The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has expressed determination to reposition itself for global relevance and recognition following the inauguration of its newly constituted Board of Directors.
At the maiden meeting of the board, its Chairman, Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, pledged to work with management, stakeholders, and fellow board members to build on the achievements of the authority. He assured that the board would uphold professionalism, strengthen inland waterway operations, and drive innovation that will make NIWA a model institution within and outside Nigeria.
“As the Chairman of the Board, I will do my best to discharge my duties and respect the judgment and advice of my fellow members. I will be fully committed to the attainment of NIWA’s vision to establish and sustain a first-class organization managed professionally and responsibly, one that is flexible and adaptable to the needs of Nigerians and respected internationally,” Adar said.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for appointing the new board, and also lauded the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his role in their selection. The chairman equally paid tribute to past boards and management teams whose efforts, he noted, laid a foundation of infrastructural growth and staff welfare that continues to shape NIWA’s relevance in the maritime sector.
Welcoming the board members, NIWA Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, highlighted recent achievements of the authority including increased cargo and passenger traffic on inland waterways, the gazetting of the Water Transportation Code, deployment of additional water marshals nationwide, public sensitisation campaigns across more than twelve states, and the distribution of nearly 6,000 standard lifejackets.
Oyebamiji noted that NIWA has also enhanced collaboration with several state governments, including Bayelsa, Niger, Kwara, Sokoto, and Lagos, to strengthen inland waterway transportation and safety. He expressed optimism that with the support of the new board, NIWA is well-positioned to accelerate its growth trajectory and consolidate its standing as a key player in the maritime industry.
