The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has called for closer collaboration with the Kogi State Government to develop the state’s inland waterways and maximise their economic benefits.
The Chairman of the NIWA Board of Directors, Barr. Mukhtari Shagari, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo at his official residence in Lokoja on Sunday.
Shagari described Kogi as one of Nigeria’s most strategically positioned states, noting that its extensive inland waterways hold enormous potential to drive economic growth if properly developed and managed.
He said NIWA was committed to supporting the development of the state’s waterways in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Blue Economy Agenda.
According to him, Kogi’s waterways can significantly boost both the state’s economy and national development through strategic investments and effective management.
Shagari said the authority was seeking the support of the Kogi State Government in rehabilitating and developing jetties and landing sites, dredging and maintaining navigable channels, promoting safe water transportation, and strengthening security and safety on the waterways.
He reaffirmed NIWA’s readiness to partner with the state government to transform inland waterways into a key driver of sustainable economic development, in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Blue Economy Vision.
In his response, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with NIWA to improve water transportation, enhance safety, and ensure the sustainable development of inland waterways across the state.
The governor announced that the state government would immediately establish a joint committee with NIWA to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the sustainable development of Kogi’s waterways.
He explained that the roadmap would focus on constructing and upgrading jetties in rural communities, improving water transportation services, and creating employment opportunities for youths across the state.
Ododo commended the NIWA management for the visit and expressed confidence that the partnership would fast-track the development of Kogi’s vast inland waterways, bringing lasting economic benefits to residents and contributing to national growth.
The NIWA delegation included the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Yusuf Girei; the General Manager, Human Resources and Administration, Abdullahi Dabai; the General Manager, Procurement, Ibrahim Sade; and the General Manager, Audit, Mr. Japhet Maisaje.
