By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh, Suleiman Abdulmumin in Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to enhance water safety, boost inland transportation and stimulate economic growth across the state and the nation at large.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Chairman and members of the NIWA Governing Board to the Government House, Lokoja, on Friday.
In statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor Mr Unubi Emmanuel, Governor Ododo congratulated the Board members on their recent appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, expressing confidence in their experience and capacity to effectively drive NIWA’s mandate of developing and regulating inland waterways in Nigeria.
He commended NIWA and its Water Marshals for their prompt, professional and life-saving interventions during recent boat mishaps at Kupa in November 2024 and Ibaji in September 2025.
According to the Governor, the swift response of the Authority significantly reduced casualties and prevented greater loss of lives and property despite the unfortunate incidents.
The Governor described Kogi State as proud and honoured to host the headquarters of NIWA in Lokoja, stressing that the state occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s inland waterways network and remains central to national transportation and economic integration.
He further emphasized that the Kogi State Government recognizes inland waterways as critical drivers of trade, tourism, job creation and sustainable development. Governor Ododo assured the Authority of a peaceful, secure and enabling environment to enable NIWA discharge its statutory responsibilities effectively.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the NIWA Governing Board, Barr. Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, CFR, said the visit was aimed at familiarizing the Board with the government and people of Kogi State as the host state of the Authority. He commended Governor Ododo for his development-driven leadership and visible commitment to the progress of the state.
Barr. Shagari pledged NIWA’s continued partnership with the Kogi State Government, noting that the Authority remains committed to opening new economic opportunities for youths through river transportation services, ferry operations, fishing, boat building and other water-based enterprises