By Thompson Yamput
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has remained focused and diligent in the discharge of its duties and responsibilities under the current Management led by Hon. Bola Oyebamiji says Dr Meshach Musa, an economist based in Lokoja.
Musa, who made the remarks in a statement signed on Sunday in Lokoja, said that the authority, which has 23 operational bases under the current MD, has received prompt attention from management.
He said that since assumption of office, the MD has made some giant strides especially reduction in the rate of accidents and deaths on the inland waterways and distributed not less than 45,000 standard lifejackets to Nigerians across 12 states.
The Economist noted that based on the innovations and renewed commitment to its mandates, the authority’s Corporate Headquarters in Lokoja have continually received deserved attention from the management, including the provision of a modern and functional working environment, to the delight of the generality of staff.
According to him, barely a year ago, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Gboyega Oyetola, in the company of the Kogi Deputy Governor, Salifu Joel Oyibo, led other dignitaries to commission projects such as the Security Patrol Boats, Administrative Staff Building, Staff Clinic, Security Post, among others.
These projects, he said, were commissioned in addition to unprecedented priority given to staff welfare, including prompt payment of staff salaries, allowances, emoluments, foreign and local training, children’s educational grants and medical allowance for the retirees.
“In its drive for inclusivity, particularly as it relates to the host community, NIWA has continued to provide opportunities to the people of Kogi state through the offer of full employment, industrial attachment and free facilities for corporate and social functions.
“Furthermore, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), the Authority distributed free life jackets to several states of Nigeria, including Kogi.
“In fact, thousands of life jackets were handed over to the Kogi State Government for onward distribution to the people of the state as part of its CSR drive. In addition to this, valid requests for individuals and communities have continued to be treated with dispatch within the available resources.
“Therefore, NIWA remains alive to its responsibilities and will continue to play its roles through its various operational departments and numerous area offices under the Oyebamiji-led Management Team, ” he stated.
Musa, however, expressed optimism that NIWA shall continue to engage with Nigerians and sister agencies across the country in line with the renewed hope agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, without neglecting its corporate base in Lokoja. (ephemeralnews.com.ng)
