National Inland Waterways Authority
National Inland Waterways Authority (also known as NIWA) is the authorised agency in charge of inland water regulation in Nigeria.[1] Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji is the Managing Director of NIWA.[2] The agency works alongside other water regulating bodies such as Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC), and Waterways Assets Development Services (WADS) Limited to ensure safety protection of boats, ferries and their crews, as well as maintenance of water body.[3][2][4] They are also responsible for sanctioning the illegal operations in inland waterways.[5]
History
[edit]In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NIWA and LASWA agencies issued a directive that allows full capacity for four-stroke engine boats and limits to 75% capacity for two-stroke engine boats.[3] In 2024, the Senate commissioned the approval of 12 fibre-reinforced plastic boats and three water ambulances at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) headquarters in Lokoja, Kogi state.[6][7]
Operations
[edit]Through its Lagos branch led by Sarat Lara Braimah, NIWA cleared the hyacinth vegetation in the swampy area that clogged water channels in Ebute area of Ikorodu in 2023.[8]
NIWA collaborated with Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to stop the illegal waterways immigration, especially from Marina jetty to Badagry and Port Novo, which often leads to human trafficking.[9]
In 2024, through managing director Bola Oyebamiji, NIWA proposed the dredging of the 2000KM navigable waterways and the completion of Jamaja Inland Port in Lokoja while seeking funds from the Minister of Blue Marine and Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.[10][11]
Controversies
[edit]NIWA was declared the authorised agency in charge of inland Waterways operation by the supreme court in early January 2024 following a battle between the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government over the ownership of the waterways operation in Nigeria.[3]
In Late September 2024, NIWA filed a lawsuit against Shell Development Company over a 4 billion naira debt for the passage of its crude oil products through NIWA's pipeline after failure to reach agreement as regards the payment.[12]
References
[edit]- ^ Anagor-Ewuzie, Amaka (2024-01-10). "Supreme Court upholds NIWA as authentic inland waters' regulator". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ a b Opanuga, Jimisayo (2023-10-25). "Tinubu appoints new CEOs for NIWA, NSC". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ a b c Olaoluwa, Joseph (2020-07-17). "NIWA, LASWA issue new guidelines to boat operators". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ Nigeria, Guardian (2024-05-07). "WADS, NIWA harp on underlying issues in Lagos-Calabar coastal road project". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ "NIWA Vows to Sanction Illegal Operators within Nigeria's Inland Waterways – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ Idris, Suleiman (2024-06-09). "Senate to commission multi-million NIWA projects". Blueprint Newspapers Limited. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ Our Reporter. "Oyetola outlines plans for NIWA, others". The Nation.
- ^ "NIWA Deploys Equipment To Clear Water Hyacinth In Ikorodu – Independent Newspaper Nigeria". 2023-10-12. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ Egole, Anozie (2024-03-22). "NIWA, NIS strengthen collaboration to curb illegal migration". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ DailyTrend (2024-06-12). "NIWA Seeks Fund for Capital Dredging of 2000KM Waterways, Completion of Jamaja Inland Port Lokoja –". dailytrend.com.ng. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ Egole, Anozie (2024-02-14). "NIWA to dredge 2,000km inland waterways – Official". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ Godwin, Oritse. "NIWA takes Shell to court over N4bn debt". Vanguard.