Merchant Navy Reaffirms Support For NIWA Management , Describes Oyebamiji As Mr.Project

The Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA) has reaffirmed commitment to support management of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) , in a bid to mitigate the numerous challenges affecting waterways activities.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) affiliate group also called on the federal government to provide adequate funding for the agency to execute major projects toward achieving set goals.

National President NMNOWTSSA, Comrade C/Engr. Bob Joseph Yousuo in a statement via the Secretary General, Comrade Aleakhue John Okpono on Sunday , affirmed that the seafarers’ union would continue to support management of the waterways authority .

Reacting on the performance of NIWA under Bola Oyebamiji led administration as Managing Director, Comrade C/Engr.Yousuo stated that the seafarers’ union will continue to commend his achievements despite seven months in office.

Yousuo who doubles as the Chairman , International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) for Africa , further argued that NIWA under the new Managing Director has performed immensely noting that less than a year in office has recorded notable achievements.

Highlighting some of the groundbreaking achievements recorded under the NIWA boss, Chief Yousuo reiterated that several projects have been commissioned under his watch as the Managing Director of the Agency.

According to him,” Despite of being in office for less than a year, the Agency under him has achieved tremendously as it commissioned several projects which include administrative building, reception building, police building, fire fighting equipment, and hydrographic survey boats.

Continuing , the numero uno Africa Seafarer disclosed that other notable achievements by MD of NIWA include-sixty two seater passenger boats , water ambulances and other water crafts, which as well has the unveiling of inland waterways Transportation Regulations 2023 by the Honorable Minister of marine & blue economy.”

The Union’s boss further argued that the leadership of NMNOWTSSA under him stand with management of NIWA saying that the MD prioritize welfare of staff and members of the union under the Agency .

Celebrating welfare packages for members , he added that the MD has commenced the payment of child education allowance for staff and payment of medical incentives to NIWA retirees.

” Being aware of the importance of team work and respect for the stakeholders in the marine industry he extended invites to both the leadership of NMNOWTSSA & MWUN as well as DG, NIMASA and others.

“Mr. Bola Oyebamiji is a team player, an achiever and above all takes the welfare of NIWA staff , our members into consideration.

” Within his short time in office, he is vigorously working to ensure the passage of NIWA bill in the national Assembly. NIWA staff remain discipline and professionals.

“It is also of note that NMNOWTSSA under Alalade’s tenure wrote to the presidency the relevant of NIWA to the Federation in terms of inland transportation and request that the Agency should stand alone. One wonder why now the reverse is the case.

Against the background of incessant boat mishaps across the littoral states in the country, the seafarers’ front man added that accident on land, air and water can only be minimized but can not be eliminated, pointing out that boats mishap have reduced in recent time.

“We stand by and with our members in NIWA and assure the MD/CEO of NMNOWTSSA unalloyed support. Mr Bola has done well and we shall continue to collaborate to make more strides in the quest for uplifting NIWA.

“He was nick named MD PROJECTS.
For safety of property and life, the Agency has introduced what it called NIWA MARSHALL.

” Consequently, the Association wishes to disabuse the mind of our members, MD/CEO, NIWA and the general public that we are not in anyway connected to the said publication as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of speech.”

On the Eid Mubarak, the Union’s boss also used the opportunity to felicitate moslems on the Sallah festival, praying for Allah’s protection during and after the holidays

Recall that stakeholders have ranked NIWA management low in terms of waterways safety of passengers