NIWA Calls for Collaboration with States to Enhance Safety of Inland Waterways
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, has emphasized the need for increased collaboration between the federal agency and state governments to enhance the safety and security of inland waterways transportation.
Oyebamiji made this call during a one-day consultative forum on safety and insecurities on inland waterways, organized by the Nigeria Transportation Commissioners’ Forum in Ilorin. He stressed that safety and security play a critical role in fostering a thriving water transportation system.
The forum, themed "Prevalent Safety, Security Hazards and Practices in Inland Waterways: Passenger Transport Safety in Ilorin, Kwara State," aimed to address pressing issues facing the inland waterways sector.
Oyebamiji acknowledged NIWA's ongoing efforts to improve safety, including the recent unveiling of the transportation code for public use and the inauguration of several operational assets .
He also noted that safety campaigns have been launched across all operational bases, targeting local communities in their native languages.
The NIWA boss highlighted the support from the National Assembly, including ongoing discussions on establishing coastal guards and attention to safety and security on inland waterways from the House Committee on Inland Waterways.
Oyebamiji appealed to state commissioners for transportation to collaborate with NIWA in areas such as training, safety campaigns, infrastructure development, and financial empowerment.
He stressed that while challenges are significant, they are surmountable through collective action .
In a related development, NIWA has deployed 350 water marshals to boost safety across Nigerian waterways. The marshals will be stationed at various loading platforms to ensure adherence to safety protocols .
The National Inland Waterways Authority was established to improve and develop Nigeria's inland waterways for navigation. NIWA's primary responsibility is to ensure safer inland waterways .
To achieve this, NIWA has been working to remove navigational impediments and ensure smoother travel.
The agency has realigned hundreds of navigational buoys to mark channels for boat operators and has begun steady improvements to jetties and mooring facilities .
In conclusion, the call for collaboration between NIWA and state governments is a step in the right direction towards ensuring safer and more secure inland waterways. With collective action, the challenges facing the sector can be overcome, and Nigeria's inland waterways can thrive.
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