The Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Barrister Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, has reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to improving safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways through the replacement of rickety boats with modern vessels in partnership with indigenous boat builders.
Shagari made this known during a facility tour of NIWA projects and facilities in Lagos, led by the Board Chairman alongside members of the Board and the Managing Director of NIWA, Engr. Yusuf Gerie, at the NIWA Lagos Area Office, Marina on Wednesday.
Speaking during a media briefing at the event, Shagari stated that the Board would make a strong case to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy to ensure that adequate budgetary provisions are made annually for the procurement of new boats to replace ageing and rickety vessels operating across the country’s waterways.
“On the issue of rickety boats, we are going to make a strong case to the Minister to ensure that enough provision is made every year to make sure we have new vessels.
“We are committed to phasing out unsafe vessels and replacing them with safer and more modern alternatives. The safety of Nigerians on our waterways remains a top priority,” Shagari stated.
He stressed that prioritising water transportation safety remains a key objective of the Authority, noting that replacing unsafe boats would significantly reduce accidents and improve public confidence in inland water transport.
The NIWA Board Chairman also reiterated the Authority’s resolve to rehabilitate dilapidated infrastructure, construct new jetties, strengthen the enforcement of waterway safety regulations, and deepen collaboration with the private sector to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s inland waterways.
According to him, one of the first decisions taken by the newly inaugurated Board was to undertake a comprehensive review of NIWA infrastructure nationwide, with a view to rehabilitating dilapidated offices and jetties while expanding critical water transport infrastructure.
“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,” he said.
Shagari noted that the Board is also committed to increasing the number of jetties across the country, particularly in Lagos, to support the growing demand for water transportation.
On funding, the Board Chairman acknowledged the importance of government support but stressed that NIWA was actively pursuing strategies to improve its internally generated revenue through stronger stakeholder engagement and collaboration with relevant agencies.
Addressing concerns over unregulated jetties and safety compliance, he disclosed that NIWA was working closely with security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to strengthen enforcement and ensure adherence to water transport regulations.
Highlighting the economic benefits of inland waterways transportation, Shagari emphasized that safer and more navigable waterways would reduce transportation costs, lower pressure on road infrastructure, facilitate the movement of goods and contribute to economic growth.
He called for greater private sector participation in dredging, infrastructure development and water transportation services, noting that sustainable development of the waterways sector requires collective effort.
Earlier, the Managing Director of NIWA, Engr. Yusuf Gerie, said the Board’s visit was aimed at obtaining firsthand knowledge of activities within the Lagos Area Office and identifying measures to improve operations across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Gerie commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for assembling a team of experienced professionals and technocrats to reposition the Authority and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda within the marine and blue economy sector.
In her welcome address, the Lagos Area Manager, Engr. Sarat Braimah, expressed appreciation to the Board Chairman, Board members and the Managing Director for the visit.
She highlighted the strategic importance of Lagos to inland water transportation in Nigeria and noted that the Lagos Area Office remains committed to promoting safety, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and infrastructure development on the nation’s busiest waterways.
Braimah expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and enhance the overall performance of the Authority.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Board Member, Captain Tajudeen Alao, appreciated the media for their continued support and coverage of NIWA’s activities. He called on water transport operators, security agencies, private investors and other stakeholders to collaborate with the Authority in its efforts to ensure safer, more efficient and sustainable inland waterways transportation.
Captain Alao emphasized that collective responsibility, compliance with safety regulations and sustained stakeholder support remain critical to achieving a safer inland waterways sector for all Nigerians.
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