NIWA - News Agency Of Nigeria

Ismail Abdulaziz
Aug, Sun, 2025

House of Reps committee, NIWA assess Baro port

By Rita Iliya

The House of Representative Ad-hoc Committee on Rehabilitation and Operationalisation of Baro Inland Port and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) were at the port for an on-the-spot assessment.

Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Sai’du Abdullahi (Bida/Gbako Federal Constituency), led members to the port to engage stakeholders on Saturday.

He explained that the committee’s visit was to assess the port’s facilities and identify challenges hindering its commencement.

Abdullahi expressed satisfaction with the port equipment but lamented the outstanding road and rail connectivity.

“From our assessment, virtually all equipment needed for the take off of the port are on ground except for access road and rail connectivity.

“It is quite unfortunate that a journey of 30 minutes has taken four hours due to lack of access road,” he said.

The chairman noted that the contract for the access road was awarded nearly 10 years ago and it has yet to be completed.

He stressed the need for project management and timelines for contracts, adding that the committee would engage other stakeholders at the national assembly to tackle the challenges facing the port.

Also speaking, Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director of NIWA, described the visit as a welcome development.

Oyebamiji, represented by James Adetola, General Manager Business Development, said the port inaugurated by Buhari since 2019 has been underutilised.

He disclosed that NIWA has been working to make the port operational and the committee’s assistance would help address funding challenges.

He noted that the port needs an access road and dredging to function effectively.

“Everything that a port needs to work is on ground, apart from the access road and our channel always seal up, so we need to dredge,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Baro port is situated along the River Niger and serves as a critical transportation hub for the country’s inland waterways and rail network. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NIWA board must respect governance boundaries – Minister

Tosin Kolade
Jul, Wed, 2025

Economy/Business

NIWA board must respect governance boundaries – Minister

By Diana Omueza

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged the Governing Board of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to maintain clear boundaries between governance and management for operational integrity and efficiency.

Oyetola said this during the inauguration of the 11-member board on Wednesday in Abuja.

The minister said that the board was to provide key policy guidance to the management, according to existing rules and regulations, without interfering with day-to-day management affairs or operational execution.

“This inauguration marks a critical step in our collective efforts to strengthen the governance structures of our maritime institutions and position the sector for greater national impact.

“It is essential to emphasise that the day-to-day operations and execution of policy decisions remain solely the responsibility of the managing director and the management team.

“This is clearly stipulated in Part IV, Section 14(2) of the NIWA Act and further reinforced by the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2007,” he said.

Oyetola enjoined the board to engage with NIWA management constructively, with professionalism, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.

He emphasised that institutional harmony was vital and could only be achieved through cooperation, transparency, and unwavering dedication to national service.

Responding, Mr Musa Adar, the Board Chairman, appreciated the minister and President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and pledged to introduce innovative ways to tackle issues affecting Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Adar said the board would capitalise on improvements in key areas, with the collective support of the management, to enhance safety and security.

“This will involve upgrading infrastructure, investing in modern recreational aids, and strengthening partnerships with relevant agencies to combat piracy and other threats hindering water transportation in our inland waterways.

“By taking these steps, we can reduce the risk of accidents, protect human lives and properties, and ensure that our waterways are used sustainably and responsibly to enhance economic growth,” he said.

Members of the board include Mr Bola Oyebamiji; Mr Hussaini Shettima; Mr Jeminiwa Adewale; Dr Ndidi Ozegbe; Dr. Sadiq Z. Abubakar.

Others are Mr Kunle Olugbemiro; Capt. Tajudeen Alao; Mr. Dele Oye; Mr.Jerome Angwunwe, and Hoplyn Ayu. (NAN)

Edited by Victor Adeoti/Ayodeji Alabi