NIWA Allocates N850 Million for Waterway Cleanup as MD Warns Against Revenue Sabotage

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has earmarked N850 million in its 2025 budget appropriation for the removal of wrecks, clearing of water hyacinths, floating debris, and other obstructions from Nigeria’s inland waterways. This initiative is part of a N22.99 billion capital expenditure plan aimed at improving navigability, safety, and environmental sustainability in the nation’s waterways.

A breakdown of the budget shows that N300 million is designated for wreck removal across the South-East, South-West, and South-South regions, while N550 million will be used for mechanical and manual clearing of water hyacinths and debris nationwide. Additionally, N2.65 billion has been allocated for the partial dredging of 1,000 kilometers of navigable waterways to enhance trade and transportation.

In a bid to modernize its operations, NIWA has proposed N100 million for acquiring geoinformatics equipment, N200 million for digitization, and N350 million for purchasing security and revenue patrol boats. Furthermore, N14.73 billion has been set aside for acquiring barges and vessels to boost inland transport. Other key allocations include:

• N100 million for a hydrographic survey from Iwopin to Badagry.
• N150 million for research and development.
• N700 million for an inland river port and cargo handling equipment at Lokoja.
• N120 million for an inland river port at Oguta, Imo State.
• N150 million for water level gauges at 12 strategic locations.

Beyond infrastructure, NIWA Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, has vowed to enforce stricter performance measures in 2025 to improve efficiency and revenue generation, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola.

Speaking at NIWA’s 2025 Management Retreat in Lokoja, Oyebamiji warned against indolence and sabotage, revealing that several Area Offices underperformed in 2024, with some generating as little as N1 million to N2 million annually—a figure he deemed unacceptable. He criticized the lack of cooperation with debt recovery consultants, leading to poor revenue collection and inconsistent records.

“This shameful negative attitude will no longer be tolerated,” Oyebamiji declared.

In response, NIWA’s Senior Staff Union Chairman, Mr. Suleiman Danjuma, and Maritime Workers Union Chairman, Mr. Zakari Idris, pledged to improve revenue generation and uphold professionalism. They acknowledged NIWA’s investment in staff welfare and its pivotal role in driving economic growth through inland water transport.

With these bold initiatives and a renewed focus on accountability, NIWA is set to redefine Nigeria’s inland waterways in 2025.

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