The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has warned that any person or organization involved in salvaging, cutting, scrapping or disposing of wrecks within the inland waterways of Bayelsa State and indeed Nigeria without obtaining necessary clearance from it may face severe sanction.
The General Manager, Corporate Affairs, NIWA, Mr. Tayo Fadile gave the warning in a statement in Lokoja yesterday in view of a recent announcement on Radio and Television by the Attorney General of Bayelsa State, Mr. Arthur Andrew Seweniowor claiming that the Bayelsa State Ministry of Transport has the authorization of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety (NIMASA) to function as receiver of wrecks within the Inland Waterways of Bayelsa State.
He disclosed that the Act establishing NIWA, CAP 47 LFN 2004, particularly part II section 9 (d), part iv section 28 (2) empowered it as the sole agency for survey, removal and disposal of wrecks within the Inland waterways in Nigeria.
Fadile noted that NIMASA’s jurisdiction did not conflict with that of NIWA adding that while NIMASA covered the coastal waters, NIWA’s jurisdiction covered the inland waterways, including Rivers, Creeks and Lakes.
“Consequently, any person or organization involved in salvaging, cutting, scrapping or disposing of wrecks within the Inland waterways of Bayelsa State, and indeed Nigeria, is advised to obtain the necessary clearance from NIWA.
“Failure to do so may lead to severe sanctions”, he said.
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