The Acting Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Malam Umar Yusuf Girei, has advised stakeholders and clients of the Authority to remain calm and not panic over the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning aspects of the NIWA Act.
In a press statement signed by the Acting MD, he clarified that the Supreme Court upheld the 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 apex court only voided Sections 12 and 13 of the Act to the extent that they relate to land matters unrelated to maritime activities and where such provisions are inconsistent with the Constitution.
According to him, the judgment does not affect NIWA’s core mandate of ensuring safe and efficient inland waterways transportation across the country.
He urged stakeholders, operators, and members of the public to remain law-abiding and avoid unnecessary anxiety over the court decision.
He stated that the Authority would issue an official statement after obtaining and studying the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment from the Supreme Court.
