By Awyetu Asabe Hope
The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to commercialise and concession major waterways to enhance revenue generation in the marine and blue economy sector.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, gave the directive on Monday in Abuja during NIWA’s anti-corruption training for board members and managers.
He said the agency must adopt innovative strategies to grow internally generated revenue, noting that waterways should be developed as economic corridors through user charges, concessions, partnerships and value-added services.
Oyetola, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hajiya Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, said the government lacks the fiscal capacity to fund all dredging, port infrastructure and safety projects, stressing that NIWA must significantly improve its revenue base.
Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Umar Yusuf Girei, said proposals from private firms for concessions are under review.
He added that the agency is digitising its operations to improve revenue capture and has strengthened monitoring at boarding points to curb boat mishaps.
Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Adamu Aliyu, pledged the commission’s support in preventing corruption through risk assessment and capacity building.