Security & Safety
Oyetola Inaugurates NIWA Governing Board, Tasks Members on Discipline,Sectoral Growth
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, has officially inaugurated the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), describing the move as a strategic step towards strengthening institutional leadership in Nigeria’s inland waterways sub-sector.
The inauguration, which took place on Wednesday at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, marks a renewed push to enhance infrastructure development, regulatory oversight, and regional economic integration through improved management of the nation’s inland waterways.
Oyetola emphasized the critical role the new 12-member board will play in setting policy direction and offering oversight in line with the NIWA Act. However, he clarified that the day-to-day operations of the Authority remain the sole responsibility of the Managing Director and executive management.
“The board must operate with professionalism, discipline, and a clear understanding of its oversight role,” the Minister stated. “Your actions should be guided by national interest and aligned with our long-term vision for sustainable development.”
He urged strict adherence to the principles outlined in the NIWA Act, the Public Service Rules, and the Public Procurement Act to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the Authority’s operations.
The board is chaired by Hon. Musa Sarki Adar, while Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, the current Managing Director of NIWA, also serves as a member. Other members include Mr. Hussaini Shettima, Mr. Jeminiwa Adewale Charles, Dr. Ndidi Jenifer Ozegbe, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Z. Abubakar, Surv. Kunle Olugbemiro, Capt. Tajudeen Alao, Mr. Dele Kelvin Oye, Capt. Jerome Angwunwe, and Hon. Hoplyn Euore Ayu.
In his remarks, Board Chairman Hon. Musa Sarki Adar thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment and expressed appreciation to Minister Oyetola for his guidance and leadership. He pledged the board’s full commitment to supporting NIWA’s mandate and working collaboratively with its management.
“We are dedicated to building a functional and sustainable inland waterways system that drives national economic growth,” Adar said.
He noted that the board would prioritize safety, infrastructure development, and enhanced partnerships with security and regulatory agencies to curb threats such as piracy and other risks facing water transportation.
“By upgrading our infrastructure, deploying modern navigational aids, and working closely with stakeholders, we can improve safety, reduce accidents, and maximize the economic potential of our inland waterways,” he added.