The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has unveiled plans to rehabilitate dilapidated jetties, phase out unsafe boats and strengthen collaboration with the private sector as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s inland waterways and improve safety.
Chairman of the NIWA Governing Board, Barrister Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, disclosed this during a tour of the Authority’s projects and facilities in Lagos alongside members of the Governing Board and the Managing Director of NIWA, Engr. Yusuf Gerie.
Speaking during a media briefing at the NIWA Lagos Area Office in Marina on Wednesday, Shagari said the visit was aimed at assessing operations and identifying areas requiring urgent intervention to enhance water transportation across the country.
Nationwide Infrastructure Overhaul
Shagari revealed that one of the first decisions of the newly inaugurated Board was to undertake a comprehensive assessment of NIWA’s infrastructure nationwide, with a view to rehabilitating ageing offices and jetties while expanding critical water transport facilities.
“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.
He added that the Authority plans to increase the number of jetties across the country, particularly in Lagos, to meet the rising demand for water transportation.
Crackdown on Unsafe Boats
The Board Chairman expressed concern over the continued operation of old and substandard boats on Nigerian waterways, describing many of the vessels as unfit for modern transportation.
According to him, NIWA is committed to removing unsafe boats from operation and replacing them with safer, modern alternatives.
“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 disclosed that the Authority is exploring the procurement of modern vessels while partnering indigenous boat builders and other stakeholders to improve the quality of water transport services nationwide.
Stronger Safety Enforcement
Shagari said NIWA was also working closely with security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to curb illegal jetty operations and enforce compliance with safety regulations.
While acknowledging continued government support, he said the Authority was pursuing strategies to boost its internally generated revenue through stronger stakeholder engagement and partnerships with relevant agencies.
Private Sector Partnership
The NIWA Board Chairman called for greater private sector participation in dredging, jetty construction and water transport services, stressing that sustainable development of the inland waterways sector requires collaboration between government and investors.
He noted that improving navigability and safety on the waterways would reduce transportation costs, ease pressure on the nation’s roads, facilitate the movement of goods and stimulate economic growth.
Board Begins Operational Assessment
Earlier, NIWA Managing Director, Engr. Yusuf Gerie, said the Board’s visit was designed to provide firsthand insight into activities at the Lagos Area Office and identify measures to improve operations across the Authority.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for assembling a team of experienced professionals to reposition NIWA and drive the Renewed Hope Agenda in the marine and blue economy sector.
Lagos Office Highlights Strategic Role
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 and enhance NIWA’s overall performance.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Board Member, Captain Tajudeen Alao, urged water transport operators, security agencies, private investors and other stakeholders to support the Authority’s drive towards safer and more efficient inland waterways.
He said sustained compliance with safety regulations and stronger stakeholder collaboration remain essential to building a secure and sustainable inland water transport system for Nigerians.