By Sogeyinbo Abdulrahmon Olabanji (SIWES student, Gate Way ICT Polytechnic)
Following an extended legal dispute between the Federal Government and Lagos State over jurisdiction on national waterways, the Supreme Court has sided with the Federal Government and its regulatory body for inland waterways, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
In a judgment reaffirming the authority of the Federal Government through NIWA and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Director General Bashir Jamoh emphasized the resolution’s positive impact on ending ambiguity and eliminating multiple taxation, thereby enhancing the ease of doing business in the maritime sector.
Jamoh also stressed the potential for increased local and international investment resulting from this decision.
Justice Okoro, in Abuja, validated a prior Federal High Court ruling, declaring NIWA as the legitimate authority over Nigeria’s inland waterways. @JamohBashir, through his official handle, encouraged all stakeholders, especially state governments, to embrace and collaborate with NIWA and NIMASA to fully leverage Nigeria’s maritime potential for the collective benefit of its citizens.
