Inland Water Transport: Reps Committee Gives Bola Oyebamiji Thumbs Up
Managing Director.CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Bola Oyebamiji, has gotten the thumbs up from the Committee on National Inland Waterways Authority, House of Representatives.
A statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com noted that the committee on Thursday lauded the transformative initiatives and unwavering commitment of the former Osun State Commissioner for Finance to turning around the fortunes and ensuring a safer, more efficient and economically viable mode of transportation on the nation’s inland waterways.
The federal lawmakers commended Oyebanji for his remarkable achievements and dedication within a short period of his tenure calling his outstanding performance topnotch.
Speaking during their oversight visit to NIWA’s operational headquarters in Lokoja, Kogi State, the Committee acknowledged the strides made by NIWA in enhancing and redefining inland waterways operations across the country.
Chairman of the Committee, Rep Ojema Ojotu, who led the seven-member delegation, commended Oyebamiji’s sterling performance and leadership qualities culminating into effective and efficient implementation of various impactful initiatives since his assumption of office.
He expressed satisfaction with the critical roles being played by NIWA to address identified challenges within the country’s inland waterways transportation framework noting that the proactive measures that have been taken , including immediate visits to accident victims and communities, have built confidence among stakeholders and users of inland waterways in Nigeria.
Ojotu ,who lamented the challenges of recurring boat mishaps, flooding and inadequate infrastructure acknowledged high sense of professionalism, diligence and dedication brought to bear by NIWA in addressing the menace.
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 has according to him remained topnotch in the history of the agency since its establishment.
Ojotu underscored the importance of modernizing infrastructure, such as inland ports and navigable channels, as well as dredging waterways to ensure uninterrupted operations while emphasizing their potential to enhance connectivity, reduce road congestion, and stimulate economic growth
He called for human capacity development and the acquisition of operational equipment like patrol boats to improve safety enforcement and emergency response on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
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.
The lawmakers pledged to work closely with NIWA to address these challenges, aiming to transform the inland waterways system into a safer, more efficient, and economically viable mode of transportation.
The committee members praised NIWA’s judicious use of internally generated revenue (IGR) for its administrative and operational needs, citing this as a testament to Oyebamiji’s efficient management.
They passed vote of confidence in Oyebamiji and expressed optimism in his ability and capacity to take NIWA to enviable height ever known in history while assuring him of their commitment to facilitating necessary legislative and financial supports.
In his remarks, Mr Bola Oyebamiji presented a detailed account of NIWA’s activities over the past year, emphasizing its focus on safety, infrastructure development, stakeholders engagement, and operational efficiency.
He highlighted key milestones, including the launch of the National Transportation Code and the inauguration of operational assets, such as 15 boats, an administrative building, and a staff clinic.
‘Another notable achievement on my watch is the inauguration of River Marshals to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
NIWA has also prioritized the training and retraining of its personnel to enhance operational efficiency, further boosting the confidence of stakeholders through regular engagement with state actors and stakeholders’ he added.
Oyebamiji outlined the proposed 2024 budget, which focuses on infrastructure development, including dredging operations to improve navigability and boost economic activities.
He raised some of the challenges facing the agency particularly the lack of funding for critical dredging projects in the 2024 capital budget , he therefore appealed to the committee for increased financial support to enhance NIWA’s operations, particularly in achieving its infrastructure and safety goals.
Oyebamiji also called for legislative backing to strengthen NIWA’s enforcement drive against unsafe practices and bad publicity surrounding inland waterway accidents, regardless of their causes.
‘We require your urgent support in providing increased funding for our operations. Despite our strategic initiatives, the absence of capital dredging funds in the 2024 budget hampers our ability to maximize the economic potential of inland waterways’ he said..
The visit witnessed a renewed sense of collaboration between the legislature and NIWA, aimed at driving progress and fostering economic growth through the sustainable development and regulation of Nigeria’s inland waterways-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you.
