FG, Lagos End 10 Years Dispute on Waterways, Sign Agreement
The federal government and the Lagos state government Monday ended a decade of dispute on waterways rights by signing an agreement for cooperation in the areas of responsibility.
The agreement for cooperation between the two was ratified Monday between the Lagos state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora in Alausa.
The problem had been between the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and NIWA with legal actions on rights of control.
Under the new agreement the two will enjoy joint responsibility to ensure safety, monitor regulations on the waterways as well as harmonise tariffs.
Sanwo-Olu explained that the new agreement will lead to opening up of more investments in water transportation.
He also said the agreement will end the long drawn battle between the state agency and NIWA, adding that citizens of Lagos will gain more when there is collaboration between the two.
He said, “I congratulate these two agencies of government that have found it right to collaborate. This is one of the progresses we have made to promote ease of doing business and as regulators, we must always find a way to close our differences in order to convince investors and private sector”.
Mamora in his response said the signing of the agreement was necessary and done in good faith, adding that
it was done in the best interest of the people.
He said, “we don’t need the court to intervene in ensuring safety on waterways and protecting the rights of our people and avoiding multiple taxation, which discourage investors. These are the areas we are partnering on. This agreement shows that we care for our people, particularly the users of the waterways.
“This agreement means better life for our people. What we have signed today will promote better working relationship and collaboration for the good of our people. Our desire is to see the possibility of settling out of court, because this disagreement has been on for over 10 years”.
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