NIWA courts Kogi ceramic manufacturers to boost waterway transportation

The Acting Managing Director/CEO of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Alh. Umar Yusuf Girei has initiated partnership talks with major ceramic manufacturing companies in Kogi State in a strategic move to enhance the ease of doing business in the State.

The visit, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at exploring ways NIWA can support the growth of the ceramic industry in Kogi state, leveraging the state natural resources and using the inland waterways in transporting their finished goods.

The Acting MD first visited BNL Ceramic company and was received by Mr. Zhang Xin.

Xin who represented the Managing Director expressed the company’s readiness for the initiative, stating that a formal partnership with NIWA, would provide the logistical support needed to scale their operations within the state.

Addressing the management of the company, Gerei said the purpose of the visit is to understand their activities, challenges and how to partner with the company in the utilization of the inland waterways in conveying raw materials and finished goods.

The Acting MD also visited the West African Ceramic Company and was received by Mr. Emmanuel Oreye who represented the Managing Director.

Addressing the management of the company, the Ag.MD said the purpose of their visit is to seek partnership with the company as NIWA is aggressively working to ensure that Nigeria’s waterways remain navigable throughout the year.

Responding on behalf of the company, Oreye appreciated the Ag.MD’s visit just as he solicited NIWA’s support in transporting their finished goods on the waterways.

“The company has been using the waterways in transporting raw materials thereby reducing the cost of production compared to road transportation and other challenges,” Oreye said.

Girei was accompanied by senior management staff of the authority including Muazu Dan’Azumi GM (RPS), Engr. Dakio Horsfall GM (Marine), Barr. Naziru Biyankare GM (Legal), Engr. Fidelis Ejike GM (Engineering), Engr. Muhammed Dangana GM (Special Duties), Mr. Abubakar Danladi Head (Finance) and DCP Shuaibu Audu (Commander Inland Waterways Police Command).