By Lanre Oloyede
The International Right of Way Association (IRWA), Chapter 84 Nigeria, has unveiled a new executive committee at the end of its Annual Seminar held at Bon Hotel Octagon, Jahi District, Abuja.
The seminar, themed “Better Right of Way Management and Maintenance,” brought together experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing the acquisition, management, and maintenance of Right of Way (ROW) infrastructure across the country.
Delivering the keynote address, Engr. James Zirra, Director of Railway Services at the Federal Ministry of Transportation, identified the mismanagement of acquired Right of Way as one of the major obstacles to infrastructure development in Nigeria.
Drawing from his extensive experience in railway transportation management and ROW acquisition coordination, Zirra stressed the importance of adopting proactive maintenance measures rather than reactive approaches.
According to him, sustainable infrastructure development depends not only on the construction of facilities but also on their effective protection and management.
“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,” he stated.
Also speaking at the seminar, Zimuzo H. Ozuah of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) described Right of Way as a valuable national asset that must be deliberately harnessed for economic and developmental benefits.
He noted that while the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 introduced reforms in the oil and gas sector, its effectiveness regarding ROW acquisition remains limited due to the provisions of the Land Use Act and the Oil Pipelines Act, which govern surface access, compensation, and pipeline rights.
Ozuah called for a review of the Land Use Act to address existing gaps and improve the legal framework governing Right of Way administration.
He further emphasized the need for integrated and forward-looking governance structures to maximize the benefits of ROW 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.
In his virtual presentation from Canada, the International President of IRWA, Mr. Koby T. Godwin, highlighted global best practices in Right of Way management, emphasizing the importance of data management and effective communication among project proponents and stakeholders.
The Guest of Honour, ESV (Mallam) Bature Ali Muhammad, President of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), urged Right of Way professionals to continually upgrade their skills in response to evolving professional standards, market realities, and technological advancements.
He expressed confidence that the seminar would help redefine the competencies required for effective Right of Way management and maintenance, particularly in the areas of land acquisition and infrastructure corridor management for railway and pipeline projects.
The event also featured the inauguration of newly elected officers of IRWA Chapter 84 Nigeria. The new executive committee is led by Idongesit I. U. Akpan as President, alongside Ikechukwu Henry Nwachukwu as Vice President, Aminu Shuaibu as Secretary, Philip Nwachukwu as Treasurer, and Kola Olayode as International Director.
In his acceptance speech, Akpan reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advancing professionalism, ethics, and education within the Right of Way industry.
He outlined three key priorities for his administration, including strengthening credentialing programmes, ensuring stronger representation of the profession in infrastructure policy discussions, and expanding opportunities for members to benefit from IRWA’s international network.
“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 harness the benefits available at the international level,” Akpan said.
He further stressed the need for greater community engagement in infrastructure development projects, noting that host communities must be treated as critical partners in the development process.
“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.
