Accidents: NIWA Targets Unsafe Boats, Unveils Nationwide Jetty Upgrade Plan

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced plans to phase out unsafe boats and embark on a nationwide rehabilitation and expansion of jetties as part of efforts to improve safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways following recurring boat accidents across the country.

The chairman of the governing board of NIWA, Barrister Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, disclosed this on Wednesday during a facility tour of NIWA projects and installations at the Authority’s Lagos Area Office in Marina.

The visit, undertaken alongside members of the Governing Board and the managing director of NIWA, Yusuf Gerie, was aimed at assessing operations and identifying critical areas requiring intervention to enhance inland water transportation nationwide.

Addressing journalists after the inspection, Shagari said one of the first decisions of the newly inaugurated Board was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of NIWA’s infrastructure across the country with a view to rehabilitating ageing offices and jetties while expanding water transport infrastructure.

He said adequate budgetary provisions had been made to address infrastructure deficiencies across the Authority’s 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.

The board chairman explained that NIWA would also increase the number of jetties, particularly in Lagos, to meet the growing demand for water transportation and improve access to safe boarding facilities.

As part of measures to curb the rising incidence of boat mishaps, Shagari said the Authority was intensifying efforts to remove old and unsafe boats from operation, stressing that many vessels currently plying the nation’s waterways were no longer fit for safe transportation.

“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,” he stated.

He added that NIWA was exploring the procurement of modern vessels and would collaborate with indigenous boat builders and other stakeholders to improve the quality and safety of water transportation across the country.

On enforcement, Shagari said the Authority was working closely with security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to tackle illegal operations, regulate unapproved jetties and ensure strict compliance with safety standards.

While acknowledging the importance of government funding, he said NIWA was also exploring ways to boost its internally generated revenue through stronger stakeholder engagement and collaboration with relevant agencies.

He emphasised that safer and more efficient inland waterways would reduce transportation costs, ease pressure on the nation’s road network, facilitate the movement of goods and stimulate economic growth.

Shagari therefore called on private investors to partner with the Authority in dredging, infrastructure development and water transportation services, noting that sustainable development of the sector requires robust public-private collaboration.

Earlier, the managing director of NIWA, Engr. Yusuf Gerie, said the Board’s inspection tour was designed to provide firsthand knowledge of operations within the Lagos Area Office and identify practical measures to improve service delivery across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Gerie 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 advance the Renewed Hope Agenda in the marine and blue economy sector.

In her welcome address, the Lagos Area Manager, Engr. Sarat Braimah, described Lagos as the hub of inland water transportation in Nigeria, assuring that the Area Office would continue to prioritise 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 the Authority’s overall performance.