By Foluso Adelaja, Editor
The Acting Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the agency to remove bottlenecks hindering business activities on Nigeria’s waterways and create a more conducive operating environment for stakeholders.
Girei made this known on Thursday when members of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), led by its President, Chief (Dr.) Ganiyu Tarzan-Balogun, paid him a courtesy visit at the agency’s office in Abuja.
According to the NIWA boss, President Tinubu, being an experienced businessman, understands the challenges facing businesses in the country and is committed to eliminating unnecessary regulations and bureaucratic obstacles that impede economic activities.
He disclosed that he would soon embark on visits to Lagos and other coastal states to engage stakeholders and identify areas where NIWA’s intervention could facilitate smoother business operations on the nation’s waterways.
Girei assured operators that NIWA, an agency under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, would continue to discharge its regulatory responsibilities while ensuring that businesses operating within its jurisdiction enjoy a seamless environment.
Earlier, Tarzan-Balogun said the delegation was in Abuja to congratulate Girei on his appointment as Acting Managing Director and to express appreciation to NIWA for its continued support to the association.
He commended the agency for the recent distribution of life jackets to boat operators across the country, noting that the safety equipment was of high quality and is being effectively utilised to enhance safety on the waterways.
The ATBOWATON president added that the visit would further strengthen the relationship between the association and NIWA.
He also informed the acting managing director that members of the association from across the country were in Abuja for their Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled to hold on Sunday, August 2.
Earlier, Tarzan-Balogun and his delegation, which included the National Secretary of ATBOWATON, Alhaji Kola Adesiyan, paid a courtesy visit to Hajia Aisha Eri, the newly appointed Area Manager of NIWA’s Abuja Area Office.
The delegation congratulated Eri on her promotion from her former position as Head of Statistics and Strategic Planning in Lagos and expressed appreciation for her support to the association during her 21 years of service in Lagos.
Tarzan-Balogun described her promotion as well deserved, while urging her to continue to uphold the spirit of public service in her new role.
Responding, Eri thanked the association for the visit, describing it as recognition of her contributions while in Lagos.
She encouraged ATBOWATON to expand its membership to Nasarawa State, which falls under the Abuja Area Office, noting that such expansion would foster collaboration, promote the exchange of ideas and benefit stakeholders in the waterways sector.
Among members of the delegation were former Ondo State Chairman, Obajimi Manuwa Innocent now Board of Trustees of Ondo State; Arogundade Olalekan Kazeem, leading Ogun State Chapter; Lagos State Secretary, Aworetan Ayomikun; Lagos State Financial Secretary, Engr. Oshodi Aliu; Ogun State Caretaker Committee Chairman, Pami Ronald; and the Ogun State Committee Secretary, Aremu Azeez.
