The International Right of Way Association (IRWA) Chapter 84 Nigeria at the just concluded Annual Seminar in Abuja with the theme; “Better Right of Way Management and Maintenance” highlighted the best approach to right of way management and maintenance of national infrastructure.
In his address, the keynote Speaker Engr James Zirra who doubles as the Director Railway Service Ministry of Transportation stated that mismanagement of acquired Right of Way is one of the major challenges affecting infrastructure development in Nigeria, sharing his indepth knowledge in Railway transportation management and Right of Way acquisition coordination, said that effective maintenance of ROW requires a proactive measure rather than reactive approach.
He added that the future of Nigeria infrastructure depends on not only what is built, but on how effectively the country protects, manages and maintains what has been built.
Similarly, the representative of the oil and gas sector (NNPC), Zimuzo H. Ozuah emphasized on the value of Right of Way as an asset. He stated that conscious effort should be made to harness it.
He affirmed that the petroleum industrial Act PIA (2021) effectiveness on ROW acquisition is limited because of the Land Use Act and oil pipeline act which governs surface access, compensation and pipeline rights. He recommended the review of the Land Use Act.
The International President of IRWA, Mr. Koby T Godwin, who spoke virtually from Canada on international best practices, stated that data management, effective communication between project proponents is the way to go.
The guest of Honour ESV (Mallam) Bature Ali Muhammad President of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) while delivering his goodwill message, emphasized the need for Right of Way professionals to update their skills in line with the services and professional requirements as well as economic and market transformations.
He further stated that the seminar will indeed redefine the skills and competencies required for a more effective Right of Way Management and Maintenance, with emphasis on Land acquisition and infrastructure corridor management, focusing on Railway and pipeline Right of Way, in line with emerging trends of International standards and best practices.
The occasion also saw the unveiling of the newly elected executive members of IRWA chapter 84 ably led by, Idongesit I.U Akpan as the President, Ikechukwu Henry Nwachukwu emerged as Vice President, Aminu Shuaibu became the Secretary, Philip Nwachukwu is the Treasurer and Kola Olayode was returned as the International Director.
In his acceptance speech, the President,
Idongesit Akpan said the IRWA’s mission remains clear: to advance professionalism, ethics, and education in the Right of Way industry.
Akpan further stated that in the year ahead, the organization will focus on three priorities — strengthening credentialing programmes, ensuring effective representation in infrastructure policy, and supporting members of the Chapter to harness the benefits of being members at the international level.
