NIWA moves to cut logistics costs, seeks waterway partnerships with Kogi Ceramic manufacturers

Maureen Aguta

The Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, has intensified efforts to boost ease of doing business and industrial growth in Kogi State with strategic visits to two major ceramic manufacturing plants.

The visits, which align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, were aimed at exploring partnerships that would leverage Nigeria’s inland waterways for the transportation of raw materials and finished goods, reduce logistics costs, and enhance competitiveness in the manufacturing sector.

Girei first visited BNL Ceramics, where he was received by Mr. Zhang Xin, who represented the company’s Managing Director. During the engagement, the NIWA boss explained that the Authority was keen to understand the company’s operations, challenges, and logistics needs, with a view to integrating inland waterways into its supply chain.

“Our objective is to partner with manufacturers like BNL Ceramics to move raw materials and finished products through the waterways. This will ease pressure on the roads, lower transportation costs, and support sustainable industrial growth,” Girei said.

Mr. Zhang Xin welcomed the initiative and expressed the company’s readiness to collaborate with NIWA, noting that improved water transport infrastructure would significantly benefit large-scale manufacturers operating in the state.

The NIWA team also paid a visit to West African Ceramics Company, where they were received by Mr. Emmanuel Oreye, representing the Managing Director.

Addressing the management, Girei reiterated NIWA’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s inland waterways remain navigable all year round to support trade and industry.

In his response, Oreye commended NIWA for the proactive engagement, stressing that the company already relies on inland waterways for the transportation of some raw materials. He noted that water transport has helped reduce production costs compared to road haulage, which is often plagued by high fuel costs, congestion, and infrastructure challenges.

“The support of NIWA in moving finished goods will further enhance our efficiency and competitiveness,” Oreye said.

Members of NIWA’s management team who accompanied the Acting MD included Muazu Dan’Azumi, General Manager (River Ports and Services); Engr. Dakio Horsfall, General Manager (Marine); Barr. Naziru Biyankare, General Manager (Legal); Engr. Fidelis Ejike, General Manager (Engineering); Engr. Muhammed Dangana, General Manager (Special Duties); Abubakar Danladi, Head of Finance; and DCP Shuaibu Audu, Commander, Inland Waterways Police Command.

The visits underscore NIWA’s growing focus on positioning inland waterways as a viable, cost-effective alternative for industrial logistics and national economic development.