House Committee pledges legislative support for NIWA’s funding challenges

The House Committee on National Inland Waterways has pledged to facilitate necessary legislative support to address the funding challenges faced by the National Inland Waterways Authority ( NIWA).

The Chairman of the House Committee on NIWA, Mr. Ojema Ojotu, gave the assurance during an oversight visit to NIWA’s operational headquarters in Lokoja.

Ojotu, who led a delegation of seven committee members 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.

He lauded the Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, for his remarkable achievements and dedication in enhancing inland waterways operations across Nigeria within a short period of his tenure.

Ojotu highlighted the critical role of inland waterways in Nigeria’s transportation framework.

He emphasized their potential to enhance connectivity, reduce road congestion, and stimulate economic growth but lamented the challenges of recurring boat mishaps, flooding, and inadequate infrastructure.

The House Committee commended the MD’s leadership for implementing various impactful initiatives.

These include 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.

The Authority’s proactive measures, including immediate visits to accident victims and communities, have built confidence among stakeholders and users of inland waterways.

Ojotu underscored the importance of modernizing infrastructure, such as inland ports and navigable channels, as well as dredging waterways to ensure uninterrupted operations.

He called for human capacity development and the acquisition of operational equipment like patrol boats to improve safety enforcement and emergency response.

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.

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.

Speaking earlier in his welcome address, the NIWA MD, Mr. Oyebamiji presented a detailed account of NIWA’s activities over the past year, emphasizing its focus on safety, infrastructure development, stakeholder engagement, and operational efficiency.

He highlighted key milestones, including the launch of the National Transportation Code and the commissioning of operational assets, such as 15 boats, an administrative building, and a staff clinic.

Another notable achievement under Mr. Oyebamiji’s leadership 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 stakeholder confidence through regular engagement with state actors and stakeholders.

The MD also outlined the proposed 2024 budget, which focuses on infrastructure development, including dredging operations to improve navigability and boost economic activities.

While outlining these achievements, Mr. Oyebamiji noted the challenges facing the Authority, particularly the lack of funding for critical dredging projects in the 2024 capital budget.

He appealed to the committee for increased financial support to enhance NIWA’s operations, particularly in achieving its infrastructure and safety goals.

“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,” the MD stated.

He 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.

The committee praised NIWA’s judicious use of internally generated revenue (IGR) for its administrative and operational needs, citing it as a testament to Mr. Oyebamiji’s efficient management.

The visit concluded with 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.