Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has unveiled an ambitious agenda to modernise Nigeria’s inland waterways through the rehabilitation of dilapidated jetties and offices, the phased withdrawal of unsafe boats, stronger enforcement of safety regulations, and increased private sector investment.
Chairman of the NIWA Governing Board, Barrister Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, disclosed this during an inspection tour of the Authority’s facilities and ongoing projects in Lagos alongside members of the Governing Board and the Managing Director of NIWA, Engr. Yusuf Gerie.
Addressing journalists after the tour at the NIWA Lagos Area Office, Marina, on Wednesday, Shagari said the visit formed part of the Board’s nationwide assessment of NIWA’s operations and infrastructure with a view to repositioning the Authority for efficient service delivery.
He revealed that one of the Board’s first major decisions following its inauguration was to embark on a comprehensive review of NIWA’s infrastructure across the country, with priority attention on rehabilitating ageing jetties and offices while expanding critical water transport facilities.
“We have made provisions in our budget to address infrastructure challenges across our offices and jetties nationwide. We want all NIWA facilities to be functional, presentable and capable of supporting efficient service delivery,” Shagari said.
The Board Chairman disclosed that NIWA also plans to increase the number of jetties nationwide, particularly in Lagos, to meet the growing demand for water transportation and improve commuter access.
On funding, Shagari acknowledged government support but stressed that the Authority was also pursuing strategies to strengthen its internally generated revenue through enhanced stakeholder engagement, improved operational efficiency and stronger collaboration with relevant agencies.
He assured that NIWA would intensify enforcement against illegal jetties and non-compliant operators, noting that the Authority was working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to improve regulatory compliance and ensure safer waterways.
Expressing concern over the continued operation of ageing and unserviceable boats, Shagari said NIWA would gradually phase out unsafe vessels and promote the deployment of safer, modern alternatives.
“The safety of Nigerians on our waterways remains our highest priority. We are committed to replacing obsolete vessels with modern, safer boats that meet acceptable operational standards,” he stated.
He added that the Authority would work with indigenous boat builders, investors and other industry stakeholders to facilitate the acquisition and deployment of modern vessels capable of transforming inland water transportation.
According to him, a safer and more efficient inland waterways system would reduce pressure on the nation’s roads, lower transportation costs, facilitate trade and boost economic activities across the country.
Shagari therefore called for stronger private sector participation in dredging, jetty development, vessel operations and other critical aspects of inland waterways transportation, stressing that sustainable growth of the sector requires strategic partnerships.
Earlier, the Managing Director of NIWA, Engr. Yusuf Gerie, said the inspection was designed to give the newly inaugurated Governing Board firsthand knowledge of operations within the Lagos Area Office and enable it to identify practical measures for improving the Authority’s activities nationwide.
Gerie commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for constituting a Board comprising seasoned professionals and technocrats capable of repositioning NIWA in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In her welcome remarks, the Lagos Area Manager, Engr. Sarat Braimah, described Lagos as the hub of inland water transportation in Nigeria, noting that the Area Office remains committed to promoting safety, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and infrastructure development on the nation’s busiest waterways.
She expressed optimism that the Board’s visit would further strengthen ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and enhance NIWA’s overall performance.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Board Member Captain Tajudeen Alao appreciated the media for their continued support and urged water transport operators, security agencies, investors and other stakeholders to partner with NIWA in building a safer, more efficient and sustainable inland waterways transport system.
He stressed that compliance with safety regulations, collective responsibility and sustained stakeholder collaboration remain critical to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s inland waterways.
