By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
Lokoja residents have taken to the streets to demand fair treatment from the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), threatening to escalate their protest to Abuja if their grievances are ignored.
The demonstrators accuse the agency of sidelining locals in employment and awarding most contracts to outsiders, particularly indigenes of Osun State.
Aggrieved indigenes staged the protest on Saturday at the Maigari Palace, calling for immediate action to address their concerns.
Leading the demonstration, Alhaji Isah Usman said Lokoja residents have long felt marginalized despite hosting NIWA operations.
“We live here, yet the jobs and contracts go to people from other states. This must stop,” he said, urging the President to sack the NIWA Managing Director, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, over the persistent neglect of the host community.
Protesters carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “NIWA MD Must Go” and “Stop Marginalizing Our People,” highlighting their determination to be heard.
They also promised to hold a press conference in Abuja to further draw national attention to their plight if their grievances are ignored.
The Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi, received the protesters, advising them to maintain peace and avoid violence while assuring them that he would relay their complaints to the relevant authorities.
The demonstrators appealed to Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West, and Hon. Danladi Sulaiman Aguye, representing Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency, to intervene and ensure their concerns are addressed.
Several community leaders joined the protest, calling on NIWA to prioritise the welfare of the host community and ensure equitable inclusion in its programmes.
Speaking to journalists, some protesters expressed frustration over years of perceived marginalisation, claiming that most development projects bypass Lokoja indigenes.
“We are tired of being ignored. Our people live in the shadow of the authority but see nothing in return,” one resident lamented.
Observers noted that the protest was peaceful, with security operatives on standby to maintain order.
Many residents commended Alhaji Usman for organising the demonstration without incidents of violence.
The protest is attracting attention beyond Kogi State, with political observers noting that a planned escalation to Abuja could put pressure on the federal government to intervene.
Analysts say the involvement of the President and top lawmakers could elevate the dispute to a national issue, highlighting concerns over equitable distribution of federal projects and employment opportunities to host communities.
Efforts to obtain comments from NIWA management were unsuccessful as of press time.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in the community have called for an immediate dialogue between NIWA and Lokoja indigenes to prevent further escalation of tensions.
