The Managing Director and CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, has called for enhanced collaboration between the federal and state governments to achieve safer and more efficient inland water transportation in Nigeria.
Addressing stakeholders at a safety and security meeting on the nation’s inland waterways on Thursday, October 24, 2024, in Abuja, he emphasized the need for joint efforts to address challenges facing the sector.
In his address, Mr. Oyebamiji expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, commending his innovative leadership and support.
“Your Excellency, Sir, you have demonstrated to us that where there is a will, certainly, there is a way,” Oyebamiji said, highlighting the Minister’s role in pushing for progressive ideas, including the meeting and the launch of the Transportation Code, which aims to bring efficiency to NIWA’s operations.
Oyebamiji outlined various steps taken by NIWA under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to improve safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
He said the agency, which operates across 23 bases in addition to its headquarters in Lokoja, Kogi State, has implemented multiple safety campaigns and operational improvements. Notable among these is the extensive sensitization of boat operators and the public, conducted in local languages across 25 states to ensure greater understanding and compliance.
“Within the last 90 days, our officers have appeared on more than 26 radio and television stations across Nigeria to speak about the Transportation Code and the need to promote safer inland waterways,” he said. Oyebamiji also noted that NIWA’s initiatives have been well-documented in numerous newspapers, aiming to spread awareness on safety measures.
Speaking further, he said NIWA has also focused on boosting the safety infrastructure across Nigeria’s waterways.
Oyebamiji highlighted the deployment of boats, personal safety equipment, and personnel as key measures to ensure public safety on the water.
He added that the agency has recently recruited 350 Water Marshals to provide safety information to boat operators and passengers at various loading platforms.
In addition, he informed that NIWA has trained over 350 boat operators and drivers in 2024 alone, equipping them with skills to navigate the waters more safely.
The MD further emphasized efforts to remove obstacles from waterways, improve navigational aids, and realign hundreds of navigational buoys to enhance safe travel for boat captains and operators. He also mentioned that through the 2024 budget, NIWA has commenced upgrading jetties and mooring facilities as part of a gradual improvement plan for waterway infrastructure.
Despite these advancements, Oyebamiji stressed that achieving safer inland water transportation requires active collaboration between NIWA and state governments.
He pointed out that while NIWA holds regulatory authority over the waterways, as confirmed by a recent Supreme Court ruling, successful regulation and development depend on the states’ support.
“Unless the states of the federation collaborate with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, through NIWA, our race to achieve safer inland water transportation may be prolonged,” he stated. He urged state governments to engage in training programs, build more jetties, and invest in standardized boats and ferries to make water transportation a viable alternative for citizens. He also appealed directly to state Commissioners of Transportation for their cooperation, comparing it to the support typically given to road transportation initiatives.
Highlighting the comparative advantages of inland waterways over other transportation modes, The NIWA MD argued that water transportation could move larger quantities of passengers and goods at lower costs and faster speeds.
He emphasized the importance of developing the inland waterway system to ease pressure on Nigeria’s roads and boost overall transportation efficiency.
“The inland waterways deserve greater attention even than road transportation,” he asserted, positioning the sector as a critical part of Nigeria’s transportation ecosystem.
Concluding his address, Oyebamiji called on stakeholders present at the meeting to contribute meaningfully towards identifying and addressing the sector’s challenges.
He expressed optimism that their insights would lead to actionable solutions, and he looked forward to their continued support in enhancing safety and efficiency on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
“We count on your sincere contributions at this meeting and look forward to having your informed opinions on the current challenges facing this sector,” he said
