The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has charged the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to improve its revenue generation, strengthen transparency and accountability, as well as leverage technology and public-private partnerships to enhance efficiency and financial sustainability.

Oyetola emphasised the importance of system integrity in public institutions, highlighting its role in driving good leadership, ethical conduct and revenue generation.

The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Fatima Mahmood, made this known at a retreat.

The event was organised by NIWA in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

In his keynote address, Oyetola stressed that system integrity is crucial for NIWA’s success, enabling the authority to fulfil its mandate and contribute to the country’s Blue Economy agenda.

Oyetola called on NIWA’s Board and Management to prioritise financial sustainability and drive innovation in revenue generation.

Furthermore, the Minister observed that the partnership with ICPC aligns with the Federal Government’s preventive approach to combating corruption, adding that ethical leadership and transparent revenue systems are critical to harnessing the full economic potential of Nigeria’s inland waterways.

The Acting Managing Director, NIWA, Umar Girei, said the retreat aims to strengthen the authority’s systems and processes, promoting a culture of transparency, accountability and performance-driven leadership.

Girei emphasised NIWA’s commitment to institutional reforms, effective revenue generation and zero tolerance for corrupt practices.

Also speaking, the Chairman, ICPC, Dr. Musa Aliyu, reaffirmed the organisation’s readiness to support public institutions through preventive mechanisms, capacity building and integrity-driven initiatives.