NIWA Unveils Major Reforms to Upgrade Dilapidated Jetties, Phase Out Unsafe Boats, Strengthen Waterway Safety and Attract Private Investment
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced an ambitious plan to modernise Nigeria's inland waterways through the rehabilitation of dilapidated jetties, the gradual phasing out of unsafe boats, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and deeper collaboration with private sector investors.
The commitment was reaffirmed by the Chairman of the NIWA Governing Board, His Excellency Barrister Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, during an inspection tour of the Authority's facilities and ongoing projects at the NIWA Lagos Area Office, Marina, on Wednesday. Accompanying the Chairman were members of the Governing Board and the Managing Director of NIWA, Engr. Yusuf Gerie, as part of a nationwide assessment of the Authority's operations, infrastructure and service delivery.
Addressing journalists after the facility tour, Shagari explained that the visit formed part of the Board's determination to obtain firsthand knowledge of the operational realities across NIWA's area offices and identify urgent areas requiring intervention to improve inland water transportation nationwide.
He disclosed that one of the earliest decisions taken by the newly inaugurated Governing Board was to embark on a comprehensive nationwide assessment of NIWA's infrastructure with the objective of rehabilitating deteriorating offices and jetties, while expanding critical facilities needed to support efficient and safe water transportation.
According to him, the Board has already made adequate budgetary provisions to address infrastructure deficits across the Authority's offices and waterways.
"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," Shagari stated.
He noted that modern infrastructure remains critical to improving passenger confidence, enhancing operational efficiency and positioning inland waterways as a reliable alternative to road transportation.
The Board Chairman further revealed that NIWA intends to significantly increase the number of modern jetties across the country, especially in Lagos, where the growing population and rising commuter traffic have continued to increase demand for water transportation.
He explained that expanding jetty infrastructure would not only improve passenger movement but also facilitate commercial activities, boost trade and strengthen connectivity between riverine communities.
Speaking on funding, Shagari acknowledged the continued support of the Federal Government but stressed that NIWA is also pursuing innovative strategies to improve its internally generated revenue through stronger stakeholder engagement, enhanced operational efficiency and closer collaboration with relevant government agencies and industry partners.
According to him, increasing the Authority's revenue base would enable it to undertake more developmental projects and sustain investments in critical infrastructure without depending solely on government allocations.
On waterway safety, Shagari reaffirmed the Board's commitment to enforcing strict compliance with existing regulations. He disclosed that NIWA is strengthening collaboration with security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant stakeholders, to eliminate illegal operations, regulate unapproved jetties and ensure that operators comply with established safety standards.
He expressed serious concern over the continued use of ageing and poorly maintained boats on Nigerian waterways, describing many of the vessels currently in operation as obsolete and unsuitable for safe passenger 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 said.
Shagari disclosed that the Authority is exploring the acquisition of modern vessels while also encouraging partnerships with indigenous boat manufacturers to promote local capacity, improve vessel standards and create employment opportunities within the maritime industry.
He added that safer and more efficient boats would reduce accidents, improve public confidence and encourage more Nigerians to embrace water transportation as a dependable means of travel.
The Board Chairman also highlighted the enormous economic potential of Nigeria's inland waterways, describing the sector as a key driver of national development if properly harnessed.
According to him, efficient waterways will reduce congestion on highways, lower transportation costs for businesses, facilitate faster movement of goods and passengers, reduce pressure on road infrastructure and contribute significantly to economic growth and national productivity.
He therefore called on private investors to take advantage of the opportunities within the inland waterways sector by partnering with NIWA in areas such as dredging, jetty construction, terminal development, vessel operations and other water transport infrastructure.
Shagari maintained that sustainable development of the sector can only be achieved through strong collaboration between government institutions, private investors, development partners and water transport operators.
Earlier, the Managing Director of NIWA, Engr. Yusuf Gerie, explained that the inspection tour was designed to provide members of the Governing Board with firsthand knowledge of activities within the Lagos Area Office and enable them to make informed decisions that would improve the Authority's operations nationwide.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing experienced professionals to the NIWA Governing Board and also praised the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his commitment to repositioning the Authority in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Gerie expressed confidence that the new Board's vision would accelerate reforms aimed at making Nigeria's inland waterways safer, more efficient and globally competitive.
In her welcome address, the Lagos Area Manager, Engr. Sarat Braimah, described Lagos as the heartbeat of inland water transportation in Nigeria, noting that the state's extensive waterways remain central to the country's marine transportation system.
She stated that the Lagos Area Office remains committed to promoting waterway safety, strengthening regulatory compliance, improving operational efficiency and supporting infrastructure development to meet the growing transportation needs of residents and businesses.
Braimah expressed optimism that the Board's visit would further strengthen ongoing reforms and provide the necessary support for improved service delivery within the Authority.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Board Member Captain Tajudeen Alao appreciated journalists for their consistent support in publicising NIWA's programmes and activities.
He called on boat operators, security agencies, private investors and all stakeholders in the maritime sector to support NIWA's vision of building a modern, safe and sustainable inland waterways transport system.
Captain Alao emphasised that strict compliance with safety regulations, continuous stakeholder collaboration and sustained investment in infrastructure remain essential to reducing accidents, improving efficiency and unlocking the enormous economic potential of Nigeria's inland waterways.
The Board's inspection of the Lagos Area Office underscores NIWA's renewed commitment to modernising water transportation infrastructure, strengthening safety standards and creating an enabling environment for greater private sector participation, all aimed at transforming Nigeria's inland waterways into a safe, efficient and economically viable transportation network.
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