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Lokoja, the Kogi State capital and headquarters of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), on Friday played host to the Chairman and members of the NIWA Governing Board as the Authority moved to further consolidate its strategic partnership with the Kogi State Government on waterways development, safety and economic growth.
Receiving the delegation during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening collaboration with NIWA to enhance water safety, boost inland transportation and stimulate economic activities across the state and the nation at large. The Governor was represented at the meeting by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo.
In a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Unubi Emmanuel, Governor Ododo congratulated the Chairman and members of the NIWA Governing Board on their recent appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He expressed confidence in the experience, competence and capacity of the Board members to effectively drive the statutory mandate of the Authority in developing and regulating Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Governor Ododo particularly 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. He noted that the swift response by the Authority during the unfortunate incidents significantly reduced casualties and prevented greater loss of lives and property, underscoring the importance of proactive safety measures and effective emergency response on the nation’s waterways.
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 within Nigeria’s inland waterways network. According to him, Kogi’s unique geographical location at the confluence of major rivers places the state at the heart of national transportation, trade and economic integration. 
He further emphasized that his administration fully recognizes inland waterways as critical drivers of commerce, tourism, job creation and sustainable development. Governor Ododo assured the NIWA leadership of a peaceful, secure and enabling environment that would allow the Authority to discharge its responsibilities effectively and contribute meaningfully to national growth and development.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the NIWA Governing Board, Barrister Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, CFR, explained that 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 what he described as development-driven leadership and a visible commitment to the progress and wellbeing of the state.
Barrister Shagari reaffirmed NIWA’s resolve to sustain and deepen its partnership with the Kogi State Government, noting that the Authority remains focused on unlocking the vast economic potential of inland waterways. He said NIWA is committed to opening new opportunities, particularly for youths, through enhanced river transportation services, ferry operations, fishing, boat building and other water-based enterprises that can drive inclusive growth and improve livelihoods.
The visit underscored the shared vision of the Kogi State Government and the National Inland Waterways Authority to leverage the state’s strategic waterways for safety, economic development and national integration, while strengthening institutional collaboration for long-term impact.
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