Ododo, NIWA Forge Partnership To Develop Kogi Inland Waterways

Kogi State governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to improve water transportation, enhance safety on inland waterways and unlock the economic potential of the state’s vast water resources.

Governor Ododo gave the assurance when he received the chairman of the NIWA board of directors, Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, who led the authority’s management team on a courtesy visit to his official residence.

The governor said his administration would immediately constitute a joint committee with NIWA to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the sustainable development of inland waterways in Kogi State.

According to him, the road map will prioritise the construction and rehabilitation of jetties in riverine communities, improve water transport infrastructure and create employment opportunities for youths across the state.

Ododo noted that Kogi’s location at the confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue places the state in a unique position to benefit from increased investment in inland water transportation.

He appreciated the NIWA management for the visit and expressed confidence that the partnership would accelerate the development of the state’s waterways for the benefit of residents and the national economy.

Earlier, Chairman of the NIWA Board, Barr. Mukhtari Shehu Shagari said Kogi State is richly endowed with strategic waterways that can make significant contributions to the prosperity of both the state and the country if fully harnessed.

He explained that, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Blue Economy Agenda, NIWA remains committed to working closely with the Kogi State Government to unlock the full potential of the state’s inland waterways.

Shagari said the authority would seek the state’s collaboration in the development and rehabilitation of jetties and landing sites, dredging and maintenance of navigable channels, promotion of safe water transportation, and strengthening waterways security and safety.

He assured the governor of NIWA’s readiness to partner with the state government to transform inland waterways into a major driver of sustainable economic development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Government’s Blue Economy Vision.

The NIWA delegation included the acting managing director and chief executive officer, Yusuf Umar Girei; general manager, Human Resources and Administration, Abdullahi Dabai; general manager, Procurement, Ibrahim Sade; general manager, Audit, Japhet Maisaje; general manager, Planning, Research and Statistics, Muazu Dan’azumi; general manager, Engineering, Engr. Fidelis Ejike, general manager, Ports and Environment, Titus Adoga, and assistant general manager, Corporate Affairs, Suleiman Makama.