Mr Munirudeen Oyebamiji, the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of National Inland WaterWay Authority (NIWA), has told the staff that the authority could not afford to fail the nation in its economic growth.

The managing director gave the task on Monday while addressing the staff of the authority as he assumed office at the NIWA Headquarters in Lokoja, Kogi.

“As dedicated and committed staff of NIWA, we can’t afford to fail our dear nation and we will not, by the special grace of God.

“As we approach the task before us, let us delete every line of division in our daily activities. It is time for all hands to be on deck.

“I am an advocate of an open door policy where everyone matters, I will solicit for your cooperation, I will welcome suggestions from every individual member of staff in as much as they were aimed at moving NIWA forward to the next level,” he said.

Oyebamiji, a former Osun state finance commissioner in the administration of Gov. Adegboyega Oyetola, said he expected members of staff to start thinking of doing things differently if they want to get different results.

“You cannot be doing the same thing over and over and expect different results, we must begin to think of doing things differently.

“Your performance determines your placement and benefits. I have the uncommon privilege to learn and practice classical banking under the duress of the industry in the marine sector, among others,” he said.

He, however, said that for Nigeria to attain her full economic potential, all sectors, including the Inland Waterway, must be primed to support efficient and effective surface delivery,

The NIWA boss pledged to unveil his programmes and activities, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s charge and the mandate of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economies, with the thematics spelt out effectively.

“NIWA can be performance driven with your support. Especially, these two values will be my guiding principle as a servant in this position,” Oyebamiji stressed.