JUST IN: IRWA Nigeria Advocates Improved Right-of-Way Management for Infrastructure Growth, Unveils New Leadership 

 

 

By OGB Joseph, Abuja 

 

 

 

 

The International Right of Way Association (IRWA) Chapter 84 Nigeria has elected a new executive council and renewed calls for improved management and maintenance of Right of Way (ROW) corridors as a critical factor in advancing Nigeria’s infrastructure development agenda.

 

 

The new leadership emerged at the association’s Annual Seminar held at the Bon Hotel Octagon, Jahi District, Abuja, with the theme: “Better Right of Way Management and Maintenance.”

 

 

 

Delivering the keynote address, Director of Railway Services at the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. James Zirra, identified the mismanagement of acquired Right of Way corridors as one of the major impediments to infrastructure development in Nigeria.

 

 

Drawing from his extensive experience in railway transportation management and Right of Way acquisition coordination, Zirra stressed that effective maintenance of infrastructure corridors requires proactive rather than reactive measures.

 

 

According to him, “The future of Nigeria’s infrastructure depends not only on what we build, but on how effectively we protect, manage and maintain what we build.”

 

 

 

Also speaking at the seminar, Zimuzo H. Ozuah of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) emphasized the importance of viewing Right of Way as a valuable national asset that must be strategically harnessed for sustainable development.

 

 

He noted that while the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 introduced reforms affecting Right of Way acquisition, its effectiveness remains limited by existing provisions of the Land Use Act and the Oil Pipelines Act, which govern surface access, compensation and pipeline rights.

Ozuah therefore called for a review of the Land Use Act to enhance efficiency in Right of Way acquisition and management.

 

 

 

“The comparative lesson for Nigeria is therefore not simply that stricter rules are needed, but that Right of Way governance must become more integrated, forward-looking and institutionally coordinated if it is to deliver long-term value and public safety,” he said.

 

 

Speaking virtually from Canada, the International President of IRWA, Mr. Koby T. Godwin, highlighted global best practices in Right of Way administration, emphasizing the importance of robust data management systems and effective communication among project proponents and stakeholders.

 

 

In his goodwill message, the President of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), ESV (Mallam) Bature Ali Muhammad, urged Right of Way professionals to continually update their knowledge and skills in response to evolving professional standards, economic realities and market transformations.

 

 

He observed that the seminar would help redefine the competencies required for effective Right of Way management and maintenance, particularly in land acquisition and infrastructure corridor management for railway and pipeline projects, in line with emerging international standards and best practices.

 

 

At the event, members elected a new executive committee to steer the affairs of the association. The newly inaugurated officers include Idongesit I. U. Akpan as President, Ikechukwu Henry Nwachukwu as Vice President.

 

Others Aminu Shuaibu as Secretary, Philip Nwachukwu as Treasurer, Kola Olayode as International Director, Rasheedat Lawal as Chairman, Professional Development Committee, and Olajumoke Owoeye as Chairman, Education Committee.

 

 

In his acceptance speech, the new President, Idongesit I. U. Akpan, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advancing professionalism, ethics and education within the Right of Way industry.

 

 

“IRWA’s mission remains clear: to advance professionalism, ethics and education in the Right of Way industry. In the year ahead, we will focus on strengthening our credentialing programmes, ensuring our voice is represented in infrastructure policy, and supporting our members to maximize the benefits of international affiliation,” he stated.

 

 

Akpan further emphasized the need to balance infrastructure development with community engagement.

 

 

“IRWA exists at the intersection of progress and people. As we deliver the corridors that power our communities, we must also ensure that host communities are engaged, respected and treated as true partners in the process,” he added.

 

 

The seminar brought together professionals, policymakers, estate surveyors, infrastructure experts and stakeholders from various sectors to deliberate on strategies for improving Right of Way governance, maintenance and sustainability across Nigeria.