NIWA marks World Safety Day, reaffirms commitment to staff safety

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising staff safety and creating a conducive working environment to boost productivity and organisational growth.

Speaking during the 2026 World Safety Day celebration held on April 28 at the Authority’s Conference Hall in Lokoja, Kogi State, the Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NIWA, Umar Yusuf Girei, said staff safety and welfare remain central to the agency’s operations.

Delivering a paper titled “Good Psycho-Social Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organisation,” Girei said the management had invested in the provision of new office spaces and the rehabilitation of old structures at the headquarters and selected area offices.

He added that the Authority had also provided a well-equipped staff clinic, access to potable water, and improved sanitation facilities at the headquarters in Lokoja and some area offices.

“We have provided a well-equipped staff clinic and ensured access to portable water and proper sanitation at the headquarters, Lokoja, and some selected area offices,” he said.

The NIWA boss further disclosed that the Authority, in collaboration with sister agencies such as the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, regularly organises mental health awareness programmes for staff.

He said flexible work arrangements had also been introduced for nursing mothers in line with existing directives from the Office of the Head of Service.

According to him, staff across all categories have benefited from trainings in emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and workplace stress management in Turkey and Rwanda.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard, Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), Kogi State Ministry of Transportation, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).