Balancing Merit and Representation: Kogi’s Turn to Lead NIWA for Sustainable Waterways
By Abu Micheal.
The National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, has the mandate to manage, develop and regulate Nigeria’s 3,000 km of inland waterways (Niger, Benue, creeks, lagoons).
The core functions of NIWA include; Regulation and Safety; Vessel licensing, standards enforcement as well as accident prevention.
Further to the reasons for the establishment of NIWA, is Infrastructure mandate. This is to build, maintain and improve the physical assets that turn Nigeria’s 3,000 km of inland waterways into reliable, safe, and economically viable transport corridors. This include Dredging, jetty/berth construction and channel maintenance.
In the area of Transport Services, the Authority is to undertake Ferry operations, inter‑modal links (road/rail). This therefore places enormous responsibilities which observers insist had not been met to the optimum.
NIWA as an Economic Driver over the years is expected to use the nation’s waterways regulate Private‑sector investment, job creation and lower freight costs if effectively utilized.
Presently, the Authority is Under Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy; led by a Managing Director/CEO and a Governing Board with engineering, regulatory, and port services divisions.
Headquartered in Lokoja, Kogi State, strategic at the confluence of Niger and Benue. Since NIWA’s 2004 establishment, no Kogi indigene has ever headed the agency. The recent resignation of Mr. Oyebamiji from Osun State has left the post vacant, sparking calls for equitable representation. Like others, the last appointment witnessed all the reasons why NIWA remained a sleeping giant.
Observers are insisting that the core benefits of having a Kogi indigene at the Helm will greatly improve Local Knowledge and contextual insight with the hindsight of an indigene having a deep familiarity with the Niger‑Benue confluence, seasonal water levels, and community usage patterns.
His appointment will also allow for the ability to anticipate and mitigate issues like hyacinth blockage, sand mining impacts, and flood risks, specific to Kogi.
Furthermore, when there is a home grown appointment, it will accelerate Infrastructure Development in Lokoja and surroundings as well as prioritisation of the long delayed Lokoja Port modernisation, establishment of new jetties at Ajaokuta, and feeder roads linking farms to waterways.
Additionally, it will hasten the clearance of sedimentation in Koko‑Bosso and Okpoku channels, improving navigability for traders and fishermen.
Another benefit for the call for the appointment of an indigene is the economic multiplier for Kogi State. Over the years, the
job creation impact has not been felt leading to constant protests. What more, Dockworkers, ferry operators, logistics firms is another expected impact as another key benefit.
The benefits that will be deriveable from the call for indigenes to be at the driver’s seat of NIWA is the Agricultural boost, Cheaper transport for rice, yam, cassava from Kogi to Lagos/Port Harcourt.
As for the Tourism potential, it is without mincing words that it will revive river cruises along the Niger‑Benue as well as attract visitors to Confluence Hill, Felele Bridge, etc.
Over the years, there has been mutual distrust by Kogi indigenes following the activities of NIWA leadership since it establishment. In addition such noble requests will strengthen stakeholders trust that has been lost over the years.
Notebly, having an indigenous Managing Director will ease engagement with traditional rulers, county officials, and community leaders, foster smoother land acquisition and security partnerships as outcome.
This will further improve cooperation on safety campaigns (life jackets, anti‑piracy patrols) because locals see the leader as “one of us”.
The demand by people of Kogi State that has now become loud to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for NIWA to have an indigenous Managing Director at the helms of affairs will very importantly address the long‑standing perception of marginalization. This will equally fulfill Mr. President’s pledge for inclusive appointments politically and social equity. The gesture will no doubt set a precedent for rotational leadership across states sharing major waterways (Benue, Niger, Cross River).
Also there is the consideration to balance merit with representation, professional credentials, must possess maritime/engineering expertise, proven management. For example having indigenes who have former senior roles in NIMASA, NPA, or private dredging firms. Fortunately, good news is that there abound so many of such people in Kogi State who fit appropriately.
Let it also be stated that this call is not a way to shirk transparent selection. Due process and open advertisement, merit‑based in shortlisting, with the interview panel having representation from the Ministry, PSC, industry experts forming the selection panel to ensure credibility and competence is achieved.
Also there would also be continuity of Federal oversight towards ensuring that the prospective appointee aligns with national policy goals (Blue Economy, inter‑modal integration).
While there is no doubt about the risk and fear about perception of nepotism as would be viewed by some persons. The appointee who will have the right qualification and adhere to due process, would correct that notion.
It is therefore without mincing words that balancing local priorities with national interest, through a structured coordination with the Ministry and other states will avoid siloed focus, ignoring the broader context, cross‑cutting impacts and collaboration with other units.
Not minding the perception, like it is done in other Federal Agencies that shares same peculiarities with NIWA, like N-HYPPADEC, Niger Delta Commission amongst many others.
It is without gainsaying the fact that the sincere and patriotic conclusion in appointing a qualified Kogi indigene to lead NIWA is more than symbolic equity. It leverages local expertise, fast‑tracks infrastructure investment in Lokoja, expands economic opportunities for Kogi farmers, traders, and deepens trust between the agency and riverine communities.
When paired with rigorous merit‑based selection, the move aligns strategic development goals with inclusive governance.
Abu Micheal, Journalist and Public Affairs Commentator, writes from Lokoja.
