The newly appointed chairman of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for reconstituting the Authority’s Board of Directors and appointing him and other members to steer its affairs.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Board, Hon. Adar described the appointment as “a privilege and a call to greater service,” while commending the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, for recommending them for the role.
“Today marks the beginning of another phase in the history of this great organisation of repute. I consider myself privileged, alongside other members of this Board, to have been appointed by Mr. President, who found us worthy of this responsibility.
“I assure Nigerians that I will be fully committed to discharging my duties, deploying my time and resources towards ensuring NIWA fulfils its mandate and gains global recognition.”
The chairman commended the vision of past Boards and Management teams whose contributions, particularly in infrastructural development and staff welfare, have sustained NIWA’s relevance in the maritime sector.
He further pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders and his colleagues on the Board to create a stronger, more efficient Authority.
In his welcome address, NIWA’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, FCIB, also praised the calibre of the newly constituted Board, describing them as “distinguished individuals” whose expertise would significantly drive the Authority’s growth.
Reflecting on NIWA’s recent achievements, Oyebamiji highlighted the significant rise in goods and passenger traffic on inland waterways; the gazetting of the Water Transportation Code to enhance regulatory oversight; deployment of additional Water Marshals across loading and offloading points; nationwide sensitisation programmes on water safety in over 12 states; the distribution of over 6,000 standard lifejackets; and strengthened collaborations with state governments, including Bayelsa, Niger, Kwara, Sokoto, and Lagos.
He noted that these achievements are a foundation for deeper reforms and expansion under the guidance of the new Board.
The newly inaugurated NIWA Board of Directors comprises: Chairman: Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar; Managing Director/CEO, NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji; Hussaini Shettima; Jeminiwa Adewale Charles; Dr. Ndidi Jenifer Ozegbe; Engr. Prof. Sadiq Z. Abubakar; Surv. Kunle Olugbemiro; Capt. Tajudeen Alao; Mr. Dele Kelvin Oye; Capt. Jerome Andwunwe; Hon. Hoplyn Euore; and its Secretary, Barr. Naziru Biyankare.
With its new leadership in place, NIWA is set to consolidate its achievements and strengthen inland waterways operations to support Nigeria’s marine and blue economy agenda.
