Supreme court judgment does not affect core NIWA functions — Managing Director

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The National Inland Waterways Authority has reassured stakeholders that the recent Supreme Court judgment on aspects of the NIWA Act does not in any way affect the agency’s core regulatory and operational responsibilities on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIWA, Umar Yusuf Girei, gave the clarification while addressing journalists in Lokoja, urging operators, investors, and stakeholders in the maritime sector to remain calm and avoid unnecessary panic over reports surrounding the court ruling.

According to Girei, the apex court upheld NIWA’s statutory responsibilities relating to inland waterways navigation, safety regulation, channel management, river infrastructure development, and the promotion of inland waterways transportation as provided under Sections 10 and 11 of the NIWA Act.

He explained that the judgment only affected Sections 12 and 13 of the Act, which deal with land-related matters outside the agency’s core maritime mandate, noting that the provisions were voided only to the extent of their inconsistency with constitutional provisions.

“The Supreme Court judgment does not affect the core functions of NIWA. Our responsibilities concerning navigation, waterways safety, channel management, and regulation of inland waterways operations remain intact,” Girei stated.

The NIWA boss stressed that the Authority would continue to discharge its mandate of ensuring safe, efficient, and regulated inland waterways transportation across the country.

He noted that NIWA remains central to the Federal Government’s drive to improve alternative transportation systems, decongest roads, promote trade, and strengthen economic activities within riverine communities.

Girei further disclosed that the Authority was awaiting the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment to enable it issue a comprehensive official statement on the implications of the ruling.

He appealed to stakeholders to remain law-abiding and continue their lawful operations without fear, assuring them that NIWA’s operational framework and regulatory authority over inland waterways remain fully valid and enforceable.

The clarification comes amid concerns within the maritime industry following interpretations of the Supreme Court ruling on the NIWA Act, with some stakeholders seeking clarity on whether the decision could affect the agency’s powers and ongoing operations.

Industry observers believe the reassurance from the NIWA management is critical in sustaining investor confidence and ensuring uninterrupted activities across Nigeria’s inland waterways sector.