NIWA begins major waterways reform, targets unsafe boats, decaying jetties

 

 

By Maureen Aguta

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has unveiled plans to rehabilitate dilapidated jetties across the country, phase out unsafe boats from Nigeria’s waterways and deepen collaboration with private investors as part of a broader strategy to modernise inland water transport and improve safety.

Chairman of the NIWA Governing Board, Barrister Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, disclosed the initiative during a tour of the Authority’s facilities and ongoing projects in Lagos alongside board members and the Managing Director, Engr. Yusuf Gerie.

Addressing journalists at the NIWA Lagos Area Office in Marina on Wednesday, Shagari said the newly inaugurated board had prioritised a nationwide assessment of the Authority’s infrastructure to identify critical areas requiring urgent intervention.

According to him, funds have already been earmarked in NIWA’s budget to rehabilitate deteriorating offices and jetties while expanding water transport infrastructure to meet the country’s growing demand for inland navigation.
“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 said the Authority also plans to increase the number of jetties, particularly in Lagos, where passenger traffic on the waterways continues to rise.

Beyond government funding, he noted that NIWA is pursuing measures to strengthen its internally generated revenue through enhanced stakeholder engagement and closer collaboration with relevant agencies.

On safety enforcement, the Board Chairman said the Authority was working with security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to curb illegal operations and ensure strict compliance with water transport regulations.

He expressed concern over the continued use of ageing and poorly maintained boats by operators, warning that many vessels currently plying the nation’s waterways no longer meet acceptable safety standards.

“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 said.
He added that NIWA is exploring the acquisition of modern vessels while partnering indigenous boat builders and other industry stakeholders to improve fleet quality and operational standards.

According to him, a safer and more efficient inland waterways system would reduce logistics costs, ease pressure on Nigeria’s congested road network, facilitate cargo movement and stimulate economic growth.

Shagari also urged greater private sector participation in dredging, jetty development and water transport services, stressing that sustainable development of the inland waterways sector would require robust public-private partnerships.

Earlier, NIWA Managing Director Engr. Yusuf Gerie said the inspection tour was designed to provide the Board with firsthand knowledge of operations at the Lagos Area Office and identify practical measures to enhance the Authority’s performance nationwide.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for assembling what he described as an experienced leadership team to reposition NIWA and drive the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the marine and blue economy.

Welcoming the delegation, Lagos Area Manager Engr. Sarat Braimah highlighted Lagos’ strategic position as Nigeria’s busiest inland waterways hub, reaffirming the office’s commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, infrastructure development and efficient service delivery.

She expressed optimism that the Board’s visit would accelerate ongoing reforms and strengthen the Authority’s operational effectiveness.

In his vote of thanks, Board member Captain Tajudeen Alao called on operators, investors, security agencies and other stakeholders to support NIWA’s efforts to build a safer, more efficient and sustainable inland waterways transport system.

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