The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), headquartered in Lokoja, Kogi State, is set to be dissolved following recommendations from the Steve Oronsaye report. The report suggests transferring NIWA’s functions to both the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Under the proposed restructuring, NPA will assume responsibility for NIWA’s River Ports functions, while NIMASA will take over boat registration and other related tasks currently handled by NIWA.

The committee behind the report advises that NIWA ceases to operate in its current capacity as both regulator and operator. Instead, it suggests integrating NIWA into NPA and amending the relevant laws to reflect this change.

Furthermore, the report recommends conducting a management audit to ascertain the actual revenue generated by NIWA compared to what it remits to the Treasury. This audit aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the agency’s financial operations.

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In addition, the report highlights the need to address conflicting mandates between NIWA and the Ministry of Mines and Steel, as their enabling laws overlap in certain areas. The matter will be referred to the Attorney-General of the Federation for guidance on resolving these issues.

The proposed restructuring of NIWA reflects efforts to streamline government agencies and enhance efficiency in the management of Nigeria’s inland waterways. By reallocating responsibilities to existing maritime entities like NPA and NIMASA, the government aims to optimize resource utilization and improve service delivery in the water transportation sector.