NIWA targets safer waterways, modern infrastructure as Nigeria marks 2026 World Maritime Day
Maureen Aguta
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving waterway safety, modernising infrastructure and promoting sustainable economic growth as Nigeria joins the global maritime community to celebrate the 2026 World Maritime Day.
The Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Yusuf Girei, said the authority was focused on translating maritime policies into tangible results that would strengthen navigation, improve operational safety and support trade and economic activities across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Girei stated this in his goodwill message at the celebration, themed “From Policy to Practice: Powering Excellence.”
He congratulated maritime stakeholders on the occasion, commending their contributions to the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
According to him, the theme underscores the need for effective implementation of policies to achieve measurable improvements in maritime operations and service delivery.
“This year’s theme reminds us that strong policies create value only when they are translated into meaningful action. In the maritime sector, that means safer waterways, reliable infrastructure, environmental stewardship and services that support trade and economic growth,” he said.
The NIWA chief reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to collaborating with state governments, industry stakeholders, host communities and development partners to improve navigation, strengthen safety standards, upgrade facilities and protect waterways that sustain millions of livelihoods.
He emphasised that achieving excellence in the maritime sector requires collective responsibility, supported by skilled professionals, effective regulation, investment in innovation and an unwavering commitment to safety and environmental sustainability.
“By working together, we can build a maritime sector that is competitive, inclusive and prepared for the future,” Girei added.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
He also urged participants to move beyond policy declarations and translate their shared aspirations into practical actions that would deliver sustainable benefits to the sector and the wider economy.
The celebration was attended by Oyetola; Mahmood; the chairperson and keynote speaker, Mrs. Mfon Usoro; directors and heads of departments; chief executives of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy; members of the diplomatic corps; maritime industry stakeholders; and media representatives.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to winners of the Primary School Children’s Essay Competition, sponsored by NIWA, as part of efforts to encourage young Nigerians to develop an interest in the maritime sector.
Idris Jibril Oladimeji of Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos, emerged first and received a cash prize of ₦200,000 and a laptop computer.
Suleiman Aisha of St. Paul’s Anglican School, Lagos Island, came second, winning ₦150,000 and a laptop computer, while Yahaya Aliyah of St. Mathias Girls Primary School, Lagos, took third position and received ₦100,000 and a laptop computer.
The competition provided an opportunity to recognise young talents while encouraging greater awareness of the maritime industry among primary school pupils.
Girei, on behalf of NIWA’s board, management and staff, wished maritime stakeholders a successful World Maritime Day celebration, reaffirming the authority’s resolve to work with relevant partners towards safer, more efficient and sustainable inland waterways in Nigeria.