By Joshua Yousouph
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has intensified efforts to tackle the proliferation of illegal jetties and unsafe water transport operations across the country, with plans to strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to improve enforcement and enhance safety on the nation’s waterways.
Chairman of the NIWA Governing Board, Barrister Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, disclosed this during a media briefing held as part of a facility tour of NIWA projects and facilities in Lagos last week. The tour was 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, Lagos.
According to Shagari, the agency has identified illegal jetties and non-compliance with water transportation regulations as major challenges undermining safety and orderly operations on inland waterways. He revealed that discussions had already commenced on securing additional support from the Nigeria Police Force to complement the efforts of NIWA marshals in enforcing existing regulations and ensuring that operators comply with safety standards.
“In fact, only yesterday, we discussed the need to get more policemen to assist our marshals so that we can ensure everything is done according to the law. We want NIWA to carry out its responsibilities effectively and ensure that operators comply with established regulations,” he said.
The Board Chairman noted that addressing illegal jetties and unsafe operations forms part of the Authority’s broader strategy to reduce waterway accidents and improve public confidence in water transportation.
Shagari also expressed concern over the continued use of old and unseaworthy boats by some operators, describing many of the vessels currently in operation as outdated and unsafe. He disclosed that NIWA was exploring measures to facilitate the acquisition of modern boats and ferries while gradually phasing out unsafe vessels that pose risks to passengers and cargo. “We are going to phase out unsafe and outdated vessels. If we want safer waterways, we must provide better alternatives. The lives of Nigerians are extremely important and safety remains our priority,” he stated.
The Board Chairman further assured stakeholders that the Authority would sustain and improve upon the safety initiatives introduced by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and previous leadership of NIWA. These initiatives include the enforcement of life jacket usage, restrictions on night travel, promotion of fibre boats, and stricter compliance with water transportation safety regulations.
Shagari stressed that achieving full compliance would require stronger enforcement mechanisms, additional personnel and continuous public enlightenment. “We are not going back on the gains already achieved. We want to build on them and do even better. With the support of the Minister, security agencies, stakeholders and the media, we believe we can significantly improve safety on our waterways,” he said.
