By Uzor Odigbo
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has denied allegation that it padded its 2020 budget with fictitious projects.
The National Public Relations Officer of the Authority, Mr. Tayo Fadipe said this in a rejoinder signed by the management of NIWA and made available to reporters on Tuesday.
Recall that there were recent reports in the media (not TheNiche) that the agency padded its 2020 budget with fictitious projects including acquisition of vessels and barges.
Part of the reports said: “Fresh indications has emerged that the Federal Ministry of Transportation had padded the 2020 budget of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) with fictitious projects including acquisition of vessels and barges as well as procurement of dredgers and other equipment.”
But reacting to the reports, the Authority said that it was not involved in any such infractions.
The rejoinder read: “Our attention has been drawn to various publications including electronic and online social media platforms, alleging that NIWA was involved in 4 billion naira worth of fraudulent/non-existing projects.
“This is not true and does not reflect the position of the House Committee on Inland Waterways of the National Assembly.
“The National Freight Office at Idi-Iroko, Ogun State has absolutely nothing to do with NIWA.
“The Honourable Minister of Transportation, Honourable Minister of State, Transportation, and the MD of NIWA attended the budget defence and these allegations never arose.
“Finally, any further enquiry over this matter should be referred to the House Committee on Inland Waterways for further clarification.”
