In a bid to attract private sector investment and enhance the nation’s Blue Economy initiative, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has embarked on efforts to improve security across Nigeria’s waterways.
During a recent tour of the Warri and Onitsha area offices, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director of NIWA, emphasized the need for deeper private sector involvement to fully harness the economic potential of the country’s waterways for national development.
Oyebamiji highlighted the importance of Public/Private Partnerships (PPP) in revitalizing the nation’s economy, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic recovery. “This initiative is part of our deliberate plans to open up new opportunities to maximize the full economic potential of the nation’s waterways,” he stated.
The NIWA Managing Director stressed the necessity of attracting genuine investors with a clear purpose to drive the initiative forward. He underscored that PPP is essential for advancing the Blue Economy and achieving broader economic goals.
Addressing NIWA staff, Oyebamiji called for enhanced commitment to revenue generation, which he believes will lead to improved staff welfare. He cautioned against indolence and laxity, urging staff to rededicate themselves to the Authority’s growth and development. The MD also promised regular training and retraining to ensure optimal performance.
During his tour, Oyebamiji inspected several facilities, including the Onitsha River Port Complex, the authority’s yard, shoreline, and the newly constructed concrete jetty. His visit aimed to assess current operations and ensure that NIWA’s infrastructure supports the ongoing efforts to bolster the Blue Economy.
