NIWA Boss Decries LASWA’s Interference In Waterways Function

The Presidential Standing Committee on Private Jetty has expressed dismay over issues of infringement and unnecessary interference by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) on the mandates of the  National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NOS) on enforcement, regulations and implementation.
The Committee also expressed worries over duplication of functions with the federal agencies lamenting that other states where inland waterways operations exist have smooth working collaboration with the national authority.
Speaking at the maiden edition of Maritime Mode Workshop (MMW) put together by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Nigeria, Chairman, Technical Sub-Committee of the Presidential Standing Committee on Private Jetty , Engr Joseph Ororo, decried the duplication of functions by the state authority, reaffirming that such actions by LASWA could have negative impact on investors and stakeholders.
Ororo, who is also the General Manager, Marine Operations, NIWA, said industry stakeholders will suffer for the consequences over the duplication of functions by LASWA if it persists, noting that the regulations will not augur well for investors.
“I want to address my colleague here, who is the General Manager, LASWA. There is a lot of functions that are being replicated by the Lagos State Waterways Authority, and that will cause a lot of problems.

By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos