From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, have commended the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, for the landmark projects embarked upon as well as transportation code introduced to curb incessant boat mishaps on the nation’s inland Waterways.
“Considering the strategic role that the maritime sector plays in actualising this noble objective, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under my leadership is determined to ensure the maximisation of the comparative advantages that our maritime resources present.
“I am, therefore, not surprised that like every other agency under my watch, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has also keyed into the concerted efforts at achieving the economic goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration led by our pragmatic President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I must commend the management of NIWA for their visionary intervention in ensuring that the Water Transportation Code comes alive after several years of being in the pipeline. The Code, as we may be aware, would now guide the boat operators, regulate the conduct of passengers as well as provide a framework for potential investors in water transportation.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun and the House of Representatives Committee on Inland Waterways, Ojotu Ojeme, also lauded Oyebamiji for embarking on landmark projects less than seven months he assumed office.
A statement from the media office of Oyebamiji, on Saturday, quoted Ododo as saying that the newly commissioned projects had created a new dawn for the authority.
“It’s a new dawn that waterways have experienced new things under your leadership. Other states will benefit from this infrastructure. We appreciate you and commend you because you are a good leader and a good ambassador of the authority,” Ododo who was represented by his deputy, Salefu Oyinbo, said.