In a significant move to harness the economic potential of its vast riverine assets, the Kogi State Government has formally pledged a deep, strategic partnership with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). The collaboration, announced on December 19, 2025, is squarely focused on enhancing safety standards and unlocking sustainable development along the state’s critical waterways.
Governor Ahmed Ododo, represented by Deputy Governor Mr. Joel Oyibo, made the commitment during a courtesy visit by the NIWA Governing Board, led by its Chairman, Alhaji Muktar Shagari, at the Government House in Lokoja. The governor congratulated the newly appointed board, expressing strong confidence in their capacity to execute NIWA’s core mandate of developing and regulating Nigeria’s inland waterways—a system where Kogi holds a uniquely pivotal position.
The governor’s optimism is rooted in recent, tangible evidence of NIWA’s value. He specifically commended the authority and its specialized Water Marshals for their “prompt, professional and life-saving interventions” during two tragic boat mishaps: one in Kupa (November 2024) and another in Ibaji (September 2025). “The swift response of the authority significantly reduced casualties and prevented greater loss of lives and property,” Ododo stated, highlighting the indispensable role of a well-resourced and responsive regulatory body in preventing disasters and building public trust in water transportation.
This partnership is not merely about crisis response; it’s a forward-looking economic strategy. Kogi State, proudly hosting NIWA’s national headquarters in Lokoja, is strategically intersected by the Niger and Benue rivers. This makes it a central hub in Nigeria’s inland waterways network, a natural conduit for national transportation, trade, and economic integration. Ododo emphasized that developed inland waterways are “critical drivers of trade, tourism, job creation and sustainable development,” pointing to a future where rivers serve as bustling economic corridors rather than just transport routes.
To translate this vision into reality, the state government pledged to provide a “peaceful, secure and enabling environment” for NIWA to operate effectively. This is a crucial commitment, as infrastructure development and safety enforcement require stability and local cooperation. In return, NIWA’s Chairman, Muktar Shagari, outlined a concrete path for collaboration. He pledged the authority’s dedication to “opening new economic opportunities for youths through river transportation services, ferry operations, fishing, boat building and other water-based enterprises.” This suggests a move beyond basic regulation towards active economic stimulation—fostering local industries, creating jobs, and promoting entrepreneurship along the riverbanks.
The familiarization visit by the NIWA board underscores a recognition that successful waterways management cannot be achieved from Abuja alone. It requires synergy with host states like Kogi, which understand local geography, challenges, and opportunities. This partnership, therefore, represents a model for how federal agencies and state governments can collaborate to tackle infrastructure deficits, improve safety protocols, and deliberately leverage natural assets for broad-based economic growth. The focus on youth employment and enterprise development indicates an understanding that the true measure of success will be improved livelihoods and safer, busier waterways connecting communities and markets.
(Report by Thompson Yamput for NAN; Edited by Chioma Ugboma)
