NIWA Commends Supreme Court Verdict On Exclusive Right To Control Waterways

… Says Lagos, other littoral states are to abide by judgement

Oru Leonard 

The Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has applauded the judgement of the Supreme Court that gave it the exclusive right to control Nigerian Inland Waterways, saying the licensing and control of all inland waterways spanning more than 10,000 kilometres in the country has been restored to the Authority in the ruling by the Supreme Court on Friday, January 5, 2024.

It noted that by the judgement, Lagos State and some littoral states are to abide by the verdict of the apex court of the country.

A statement by the General Manager Corporate Affairs, Mr. Jubril Dardua disclosed that before now, there had been a protracted legal tussle between the Federal Government and Lagos State Government over which of them controls waterways in Lagos with huge economic potential.

However, the latest judgement has empowered NIWA to control, regulate and sanitise boat operators and dredgers in all the nation’s waterways.

It also grants the authority to generate more revenue into the coffers of the Federal Government,” he said.

In the judgement written and delivered by Hon. Justice John Inyang Okoro, the apex court refused to be drawn into the argument of resource control, insisting that such extensions belong to politicians, who have the power of amendment of the construction.

According to him, until the applicable sections of the Nigerian constitution are amended, the court will restrict itself to its duty to interpret the law as it is.

Before the latest judgement, NIWA had contended with Lagos State Government that the lagoon and Lekki lagoons were exclusively within its control, stressing that any illegal activities within NIWA Right of Way would not be tolerated.

Source: Advocacy Times