Lagos State Government has urged waterways users and stakeholders on the need for patience and calm following the purported Supreme Court judgment over the control of nation’s waterways, particularly in the state.
The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro SAN, made the urge on Monday, in a statement, while reacting to an earlier press release by National Inland Waterways Authourity, NIWA on Supreme Court Judgment.
According to Pedro, “The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to a report by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) regarding the judgment delivered today, January 5, 2024, in NIWA & 3ORS V LASG & 5ORS SC/17/2018.
“It is important to note that the judgment was not read in open court, and parties involved are awaiting the Certified True Copy for a comprehensive understanding of the Judgement.
“In response to NIWA’s communication, we would like to emphasize the need for the public to remain calm and patient during this period.
“Our legal team is actively working to obtain the Certified True Copy, and a detailed statement will be issued once we have thoroughly studied the judgment.
“We therefore also urge the waterways users and stakeholders to refrain from drawing premature conclusions and allow the Lagos State Government the necessary time to analyze the implications of the judgment.
“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”
Recall that the Supreme Court, had on Friday, held that it was the sole responsibility of the central government to impose levies, and issue licences to operators in the industry.
Delivering its judgement on a suit concerning the dispute, a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court led by John Okoro said it was unlawful for state governments to seek to control the nation’s inland waterways.
In the lead judgement written by Mr Okoro, the Supreme Court held that existing laws confer exclusive control of activities in the inland waterways on the federal government through its agencies, the NIWA and the Nigerian Maritime Standard and Safety Agency, NMSSA, and no other tier of government.
The Lagos State Government had created Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, in 2008 for the management of it’s waterways till date.
