Editor
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has called upon the states of the federation to engage in partnerships with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, facilitated by NIWA, to enhance the safety of inland water transportation.
Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NIWA, emphasized this during a stakeholders meeting focused on safety and security on inland waterways.
He highlighted NIWA’s undisputed right, as outlined in its Act and affirmed by the recent judgement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, to regulate activities on the inland waters and its Rights of Way.
Oyebamiji further emphasized the importance of collaboration and cooperation from the states, akin to their interactions with other agencies, including security establishments.
He urged the states to support and collaborate with NIWA in various aspects such as training, jetty construction, route marking, and provision of standardized boats and passenger ferries to facilitate daily commuting for their citizens. “The transportation on inland waterways, he noted, merits even greater attention than road transportation, as it offers a higher capacity to transport passengers and goods at a relatively lower cost and faster pace.”
In efforts to enhance safety, NIWA has deployed 350 Water Marshals to reinforce its presence on the inland waters and educate boat operators and passengers on safety measures at various loading platforms.
The organization has also conducted training for over 350 boat operators and drivers in the first half of the year, while ensuring the removal of obstacles from the waters for smoother navigation.
Additionally, NIWA has initiated the improvement of jetties and mooring facilities through the implementation of the 2024 Capital budget, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing infrastructural facilities across the waterways.
Oyebamiji highlighted the deployment of operational assets and personnel to strengthen operations and ensure the safety of the commuting public on the inland waters. Despite the ongoing efforts, he emphasized the necessity of robust collaboration across all operational bases.
However, NIWA has adopted a policy to communicate with individuals in their local languages within familiar environments and has implemented sensitization programs in more than 25 states of Nigeria. Through appearances on numerous radio and television stations across the country, NIWA officers have promoted the Transportation Code and advocated for safer inland waterways.
The stakeholders’ meeting convened under the leadership of the minister serves as a platform for critical evaluation of challenges and the exploration of solutions. It represents another initiative to drive NIWA towards achieving its objectives.
