NIWA TO UPGRADE WATERWAYS INFRASTRUCTURE, PHASE OUT RICKETY BOATS

The Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has said it is upgrading dilapidated infrastructure and intensifying efforts to phase out rickety passenger boats to improve safety and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s inland waterways through collaboration with the private sector.
   
The Chairman of the Board, Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, disclosed this yesterday during the board’s inspection of NIWA facilities and ongoing projects in Lagos State.
   
Shagari said the maiden visit by the newly inaugurated board was aimed at assessing operations at the Lagos Area Office and identifying areas requiring intervention to improve inland water transportation nationwide.
   
According to him, one of the board’s first decisions was to undertake a comprehensive review of NIWA’s infrastructure across the country with a view to rehabilitating dilapidated offices and jetties, while expanding critical water transport infrastructure.
   
“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 transportation service delivery,” he said.
   
Shagari added that the board was committed to increasing the number of jetties nationwide, particularly in Lagos, to meet the growing demand for water transportation.
   
On funding, he acknowledged the importance of government support but said NIWA was pursuing strategies to boost its internally generated revenue through stronger stakeholder engagement and collaboration with relevant agencies.
   
Addressing concerns over unregulated jetties and safety compliance, Shagari said NIWA was working closely with security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to strengthen enforcement and ensure compliance with water transport regulations.
   
He also expressed concern over the continued use of ageing and unsafe passenger boats, describing many vessels currently in operation as outdated and unsuitable for modern water transportation.
   
“We are committed to phasing out unsafe vessels and replacing them with safer, more modern alternatives.

The safety of Nigerians on our waterways remains a top priority,” he said.

Shagari further disclosed that NIWA was exploring the procurement of modern fibre boats and would collaborate with indigenous boat builders and other stakeholders to improve the quality of water transport services across the country.

Highlighting the economic benefits of inland water transportation, he said safer and more navigable waterways would reduce transportation costs, ease pressure on road infrastructure, facilitate the movement of goods and stimulate economic growth.

He called for greater private sector participation in dredging, infrastructure development and water transportation services, stressing that the sustainable development of the waterways sector requires a collective effort.

Earlier, NIWA Managing Director, Yusuf Gerie, said the board’s visit was designed to provide members with first-hand knowledge of activities at the Lagos Area Office and identify measures to improve operations across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
 
Gerie commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for assembling a team of experienced professionals and technocrats to reposition the Authority and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda in the marine and blue economy sector.
   
In her welcome address, the Lagos Area Manager, Sarat Braimah, highlighted Lagos’ strategic importance to inland water transportation, noting that the Area Office remains committed to promoting safety, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and infrastructure development on the nation’s busiest waterways.
   
She expressed confidence that the board’s visit would further strengthen ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and enhance the Authority’s overall performance.
   
Also speaking, NIWA board member Tajudeen Alao urged water transport operators, security agencies, private investors and other stakeholders to collaborate with the Authority to achieve safer, more efficient and sustainable inland water transportation.
   
Alao emphasised that collective responsibility, strict compliance with safety regulations and sustained stakeholder support are essential to building a safer inland waterways sector for all Nigerians.