Mahmood engages NIWA mgt on safety, service delivery

By Joy Enamuna 

 

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Hajiya Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, has held talks with the management of the National Inland Waterways Authority on strengthening safety awareness and improving service delivery across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

The meeting in Abuja focused on familiarising the Permanent Secretary with NIWA’s operations and assessing how the Authority’s programmes align with the ministry’s mandate under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Yusuf Umar Girei, alongside members of the management team, briefed Mahmood on the Authority’s core mandate, vision and mission, as well as key achievements and operational challenges.

He said NIWA had continued to roll out initiatives with visible impact in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Girei noted that the Authority was sustaining collaboration with the private sector to enhance efficiency and expand service delivery.

According to him, such partnerships remained vital to unlocking the economic potential of inland waterways while improving navigation, infrastructure and safety standards nationwide.

In her response, Mahmood commended NIWA for its efforts and emphasised the need to broaden safety sensitisation.

She urged the Authority to take awareness campaigns to religious centres in order to reach more water users and operators.

She also encouraged closer collaboration with sister agencies, improved human capital development, stronger engagement with the media for public enlightenment, and regular updates to the ministry on NIWA’s activities and progress.

From the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, officials in attendance included Hajiya Kalthum Ibrahim, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics; Mr Oyinloye Adeola Meshack, Director of Maritime Services Department; and other staff of the Office of the Permanent Secretary.

The NIWA delegation included Barrister Naziru Biyankare, General Manager, Legal Services; Dan’Azumi Muazu, General Manager, Planning, Research and Statistics; Engr Dakio Horsefall, General Manager, Marine Services; Engr Fidelis Ejike, General Manager, Engineering Services; and Surv Henry Adimoha, General Manager, Survey Services.