By Steve Agbota
The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, has emphasised the need for increased private sector participation in Nigeria’s blue economy initiative, highlighting its vast potential for national development.
Oyebamiji made this appeal during a recent tour of NIWA’s Warri and Onitsha area offices, where he reiterated the authority’s commitment to revitalising the economy through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
He noted that NIWA’s strategy is to leverage the nation’s waterways by fostering partnerships with investors who share a genuine commitment to sustainable development.
“Our goal is to unlock new economic opportunities by maximising the untapped potential of our inland waterways. The PPP model is essential, but we need investors with clear and purposeful intentions to work with”, he said.
The NIWA boss urged the staff to intensify their efforts in revenue generation, stating that increased revenues would translate into improved welfare for employees. He emphasized that dedication and discipline are critical to achieving the authority’s goals, warning against complacency and indolence.
“As an organisation, we are committed to enhancing staff welfare, but it must go hand in hand with improved performance in revenue generation. Discipline, commitment, and a renewed sense of purpose are key to the growth and development of NIWA,” he added.
Oyebamiji also reassured staff that training and retraining programs would be prioritized to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for optimal performance.
During his visit, he inspected critical infrastructure at the Onitsha River Port Complex, including the authority’s yard, shoreline, and the newly constructed NIWA concrete jetty. These facilities, he noted, are pivotal to advancing the authority’s mission to enhance water transport and trade across the country.