Renewed Hope Agenda: NIWA explores inland waterway solutions for Kogi ceramic industries 

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

As part of measures to promote sustainable transportation and industrial competitiveness, the Acting Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, has undertaken an inspection tour of ceramic manufacturing firms in Kogi State.

The tour which unarguably aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda focused on assessing the operational needs of the companies, understanding their challenges, and identifying how inland waterways can be effectively utilized to convey raw materials and finished products, thereby reducing reliance on road transport and cutting production costs.

The Acting Managing Director first visited BNL Ceramic, where he was received by Mr. Zhang Xin, who represented the company’s Managing Director and expressed the firm’s readiness to partner with NIWA.

Addressing the management of the company, Alhaji Umar Girei explained that the visit was aimed at gaining insight into the company’s operations and challenges, as well as exploring areas of collaboration, particularly in the utilization of inland waterways for the transportation of raw materials and finished goods.

The Acting Managing Director also visited the West African Ceramic Company, where he was received by Mr. Emmanuel Oreye, who represented the company’s Managing Director.

Addressing the management of the company, the Acting MD said the visit was aimed at strengthening partnership with the firm, noting that NIWA is intensifying efforts to ensure Nigeria’s inland waterways remain navigable all year round to support efficient movement of goods.

Responding on behalf of the company, Mr. Emmanuel Oreye expressed appreciation for the Acting Managing Director’s visit, noting that the company requires NIWA’s support in transporting its finished goods via the inland waterways. He explained, “This company has been using the waterways in transporting raw materials thereby reducing the cost of production compared to road transportation and other challenges”.

Officials who accompanied the Acting Managing Director on the visit included Muazu Dan’Azumi, General Manager (RPS); Engr. Dakio Horsfall, General Manager (Marine); Barr. Naziru Biyankare, General Manager (Legal); Engr. Fidelis Ejike, General Manager (Engineering); Engr.

Other are, Muhammed Dangana, General Manager (Special Duties); Mr. Abubakar Danladi, Head of Finance; and DCP Shuaibu Audu, Commander, Inland Waterways Police Command.