In a press statement released on the 27th of February, 2024, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) addressed recent allegations of extortion and interference within the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy involving Oyetola’s son.

The statement aimed to correct what the management deemed as a misleading and unfounded report by an online publication, arewareporters.ng.

According to the press release, NIWA’s attention was drawn to the report, which claimed imaginary extortion and interference at the authority. The management emphasized the necessity of issuing a response to set the records straight and prevent the unsuspecting public from being misled by the alleged misinformation.

NIWA categorically stated that the report in question was fake and devoid of merit. The Managing Director and CEO of NIWA, as per the statement, had not given any instruction, whether direct or indirect, for any officer of the agency to favor anyone while performing their lawful duties.

The Authority, through the press statement, sought to reassure the general public of its commitment to unbiased treatment for every Nigerian in the discharge of its responsibilities as an agency under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. It underlined its dedication to upholding the principles of fairness and justice in all official matters.

Closing the statement, Mr. Jibril Darda’u, the General Manager (Corporate Affairs) of NIWA, affirmed the Authority’s resolution to remain focused on providing effective services to the Nigerian public.