— threatens to wield big stick on under- performing area managers.
— charges on improved revenue, and operational performances.
Funso OLOJO
The Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, has sent a strong warning to under- performing Area Managers of the Authority over their low revenue generation and below par operational performances.
He threatened to wield the big stick on any manager whose performance falls below the expectations of the agency, saying such indolence would no longer be tolerated.
The apparently furious NIWA boss was addressing the management staff who gathered at the retreat in Lokoja to review the 2024 performance of the agency and project into the year 2025.
Oyebamiji cited cases where annual revenue figures of some area offices of NIWA in the outgone year were as low as one or two million naira.
“This situation is simply unacceptable. Despite management’s provision of resources, incentives, and training opportunities, the expected results were not achieved.
“Moving forward, stricter measures will be enforced to ensure accountability and drive performance, ”Oyebamiji stated.
He slammed other Area Managers who did not key into the debt recovery efforts of the agency through their uncooperative attitude with the consultant engaged by the authority for the debt recovery exercise.
“In some instances, debtors were either untraceable or provided inconsistent financial records, making recovery efforts difficult.
“This negative attitude towards financial accountability will no longer be tolerated,” he warned.
The retreat, which brings together key stakeholders including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola,the Chairman of the House committee on inland waterways, the NIWA board, management staff, and security personnel, aims at providing a comprehensive review of the authority’s 2024 performance and establish strategic targets for 2025.
With new government directives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the leadership of honourable minister Gboyega Oyetola, CON, NIWA has been tasked with additional responsibilities, including:
Increased revenue remittances from the port development levy, in addition to the existing 50% revenue deduction at source.
– Improved service delivery to meet the expectations of the general public and stakeholders in the maritime sector.
– Enhanced collaboration with sister agencies under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to improve efficiency.
Oyebamiji emphasized that beyond reviewing past performance, the retreat would also focus on capacity building and teamwork to ensure that every officer is well-equipped to meet the set goals.
“This retreat is not just about evaluating past performance; it is about strategizing for the future. I encourage all participants to engage actively, exchange ideas, and work collectively towards making NIWA a leading agency in the marine and blue economy sector,” he concluded.
The two-day retreat will feature panel discussions, training sessions, and interactive engagements aimed at strengthening NIWA’s operational framework and fostering a culture of efficiency, accountability, and innovation.