Creation Of Marine / Blue Economy Ministry Strengthens Inter Agencies Collaboration – MD NIWA
By Roland Ekama
The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Munirudeen Oyebamiji has disclosed that the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has further strengthened inter agencies collaboraion in the maritime industry to boost its potentials.
The Managing Director stated that inter agencies rivalries and duplication of functions have been resolved since the establishment of the ministry by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying that with existing collaboration and dialogue among the agencies will resolve most of the challenges faced in the maritime industry .
Oyebamiji who was represented by NIWA’s General Manager ,Business Development, Surveyor Olumide James Adetola gave the revelation at the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) 2023 conference and awards which held in Lagos on Thursday.
According to him, heads of all agencies under the new ministry, name : Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA),Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), NIWA and Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Council for the Regulations of Freight forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) have all reiterated their commitments to collectively work together in addressing the challenges facing each of the sub sector
Similarly, the MD further seek the federal government intervention to dredge the inland waterways serving the eastern ports to reduce congestion at the Apapa ports.
“The government has to focus on dredging the waterways in east to enable businessmen directly berth goods at the eastern ports like Onne, amongst others,” he said during the paper presentation.
He also clarified that NIWA, NIMASA and NPA were not in any conflict with one another regarding their duties. He said it had been made easier to function following the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Speaking during his paper presentation, he pointed out that the nation’s waterways resources were grossly underutilized and underdeveloped.
“In order to elicit efficient, prudent and profitable utilization of the waterways transport system, the Federal Government must transform waterway infrastructure facilities in line with shared vision and initiative towards modern competitive multi-modal water transport system with best practices and service consistence with current global standards, the NIWA boss said.
The Managing Director added that the huge infrastructural deficit grossly affected the waterways transport system in Nigeria. He said the improvement in the institutional structure and features of waterways and its associated public utilities are essential to attain economic growth.
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