By Thompson Yamput
The Kogi Government on Friday pledged commitment to partner with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) on enhancing water safety and economic growth across the state and the nation at large.
Gov. Ahmed Ododo made the pledge during a courtesy visit on him by the NIWA Chairman, Muktar Shagari and members of the NIWA Governing Board at the Government House, Lokoja,
Represented by his Deputy, Mr Joel Oyibo, the governor congratulated the Shagari led board members on their recent appointments by President Bola Tinubu.
Ododo expressed optimism in their capacity to effectively drive NIWA’s mandate of developing and regulating inland waterways in Nigeria.
He commended NIWA and its Water Marshals for their prompt, professional and life-saving interventions during recent boat mishaps at Kupa in November 2024, and Ibaji in September 2025.
“The swift response of the authority significantly reduced casualties and prevented greater loss of lives and property, in spite of the unfortunate incidents, ” he said.
He described Kogi as proud and honoured to host the headquarters of NIWA in Lokoja, stressing that the state occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s inland waterways network and remained central to national transportation and economic integration.
According to him, inland waterways remains critical drivers of trade, tourism, job creation and sustainable development.
Ododo, however, assured the authority of a peaceful, secure and enabling environment to enable it discharge its statutory responsibilities effectively.
Earlier in his remarks, Shagari said the visit was aimed at familiarisng with the government and people of Kogi as the host state of the authority.
Shagari commended Ododo for his development-driven leadership and visible commitment to the progress of the state.
The board chairman pledged NIWA’s continued partnership with the Kogi government.
He said that NIWA remained committed to opening new economic opportunities for youths through river transportation services, ferry operations, fishing, boat building and other water-based enterprises. NAN
