In a move to deepen water transport for industrial growth, the Acting Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, has met with ceramic firms in Kogi State to push the use of inland waterways as a cheaper and more efficient option for moving cargo.
According to an official press statement made available to our correspondent, the visit, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, was aimed at exploring partnership opportunities that would enable ceramic manufacturers leverage Nigeria’s inland waterways to move raw materials and finished products more efficiently and at lower cost.
Girei first visited BNL Ceramic Company, where he was received by Mr. Zhang Xin, who represented the Managing Director of the firm. Zhang expressed the company’s readiness to collaborate with NIWA in strengthening water transport for industrial operations in the state.
Addressing the management of BNL Ceramic, the Acting MD explained that NIWA’s interest was to understand the company’s activities, operational challenges and areas where inland waterways could be deployed for the movement of both inputs and finished goods. He noted that integrating waterways into the logistics chain would reduce pressure on roads and improve competitiveness for manufacturers.
The NIWA boss later visited the West African Ceramic Company, where he was welcomed by Mr. Emmanuel Oreye, representative of the Managing Director. Girei reiterated that the authority is working to ensure waterways remain navigable all year round, stressing that partnerships with industries are critical to achieving sustainable transport solutions.
“Our purpose is to seek collaboration with manufacturers so that the waterways can be fully utilised for conveying raw materials and finished products. NIWA is committed to making the waterways safe and navigable to support business growth,” Girei said.
Responding on behalf of the company, Oreye appreciated NIWA’s visit and said the firm requires the authority’s support to expand the transportation of its finished goods by water. According to him, the company already uses waterways for moving some raw materials, which has helped reduce production costs compared to road transport and its associated challenges.
He added that greater engagement with NIWA would further enhance efficiency and improve the company’s logistics operations within and beyond Kogi State.
Officials who accompanied the Acting MD on the visit included Muazu Dan’Azumi, General Manager, RPS; Engr. Dakio Horsfall, General Manager, Marine; Barr. Naziru Biyankare, General Manager, Legal; Engr. Fidelis Ejike, General Manager, Engineering; Engr. Muhammed Dangana, General Manager, Special Duties; Mr. Abubakar Danladi, Head of Finance; and DCP Shuaibu Audu, Commander, Inland Waterways Police Command.
