IRWA Chapter 84 Nigeria Unveils New Leadership at Annual Seminar in Abuja

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja

The International Right of Way Association (IRWA) Chapter 84 Nigeria has unveiled its newly elected executive leadership during its Annual Seminar held at the Bon Hotel Octagon, Jahi District, Abuja.

The seminar, themed “Better Right of Way Management and Maintenance,” brought together industry experts, government officials, and professionals to discuss sustainable approaches to Right of Way (ROW) management and infrastructure corridor maintenance in Nigeria.

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 challenges hindering infrastructure development in the country. Drawing from his extensive experience in railway transportation management and Right of Way acquisition coordination, he stressed that effective ROW maintenance requires proactive rather than reactive measures.

“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 event, Zimuzo H. Ozuah of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) highlighted the importance of Right of Way as a valuable national asset that should be properly harnessed and protected.

He noted that while the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 has introduced reforms affecting Right of Way acquisition, its effectiveness remains limited due to the continued influence of the Land Use Act and the Oil Pipelines Act, which govern surface access, compensation, and pipeline rights. He therefore advocated for a review of the Land Use Act to improve ROW governance.

According to Ozuah, “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.”

The International President of IRWA, Mr. Koby T. Godwin, who addressed participants virtually from Canada, emphasized the importance of data management and effective communication among project proponents as key elements of international best practices in Right of Way management.

In his goodwill message, the President of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), ESV (Mallam) Bature Ali Muhammad, underscored the need for Right of Way professionals to continually upgrade their skills to meet evolving service demands, professional requirements, and economic realities.

He noted 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, with a focus on railway and pipeline corridors in line with emerging international standards and best practices.

At the event, members of IRWA Chapter 84 Nigeria elected a new executive team to lead the association. The newly elected officers include:
Idongesit I. U. Akpan – President
Ikechukwu Henry Nwachukwu – Vice President
Aminu Shuaibu – Secretary
Philip Nwachukwu – Treasurer
Kola Olayode – International Director
Rasheedat Lawal – Chairperson, Professional Development Committee
Olajumoke Owoeye – Education Committee Chairperson

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected 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 three priorities—strengthening our credentialing programs, ensuring our voice is represented in infrastructure policy, and supporting our chapter members to harness the benefits of international membership,” he said.

He further emphasized the importance of balancing 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,” Akpan added.

The seminar concluded with a renewed call for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, improved policy frameworks, and adherence to international best practices to ensure sustainable Right of Way management and maintenance across Nigeria.

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