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NIWA

The Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, has reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to improving safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways through the replacement of ageing and rickety boats with modern vessels in partnership with indigenous boat builders.

Shagari gave the assurance during a tour of NIWA projects and facilities in Lagos on Wednesday alongside members of the Governing Board and the Managing Director of NIWA, Engr. Yusuf Gerie.

Addressing journalists after the tour, the Board Chairman said the Authority would make a strong case to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy to secure adequate annual budgetary allocations for the procurement of safer and more modern boats.

He said phasing out unsafe vessels remains a priority for the Authority, adding that the initiative would significantly reduce accidents and restore public confidence in inland water transportation.

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Shagari also disclosed that the newly inaugurated Board had resolved to undertake a comprehensive assessment of NIWA’s infrastructure nationwide, with plans to rehabilitate dilapidated offices and jetties while expanding critical water transport infrastructure.

According to him, provisions have already been made in the Authority’s budget to address infrastructure deficits and ensure NIWA facilities across the country are functional and capable of supporting efficient service delivery.

The Board Chairman said NIWA also plans to increase the number of jetties, particularly in Lagos, to meet the growing demand for water transportation.

On funding, Shagari acknowledged the need for continued government support but noted that the Authority was also pursuing strategies to boost its internally generated revenue through stronger stakeholder engagement and collaboration with relevant agencies.

He added that NIWA was working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to strengthen enforcement against illegal jetties and ensure compliance with water transport safety regulations.

Highlighting the economic benefits of efficient inland waterways, Shagari said safer and more navigable waterways would reduce transportation costs, ease pressure on road infrastructure, facilitate the movement of goods and support economic growth.

He also called for increased private sector investment in dredging, infrastructure development and water transport services to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Earlier, the Managing Director of NIWA, Engr. Yusuf Gerie, said the Board’s visit was aimed at gaining firsthand knowledge of operations at the Lagos Area Office and identifying areas requiring improvement.

Gerie commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for appointing experienced professionals to reposition the Authority and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda in the marine and blue economy sector.

In her welcome address, the Lagos Area Manager, Engr. Sarat Braimah, described Lagos as the hub of inland water transportation in Nigeria and reaffirmed the office’s commitment to promoting safety, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and infrastructure development.

She expressed confidence that the Board’s visit would strengthen ongoing efforts to improve service delivery across the Authority.

Board member, Captain Tajudeen Alao, who delivered the vote of thanks, urged water transport operators, security agencies, private investors and other stakeholders to collaborate with NIWA in promoting safer, more efficient and sustainable inland waterways transportation across the country.

The Traffic NG
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Afusat Adebayo
The Traffic NG

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