Shagari Seeks Global Partnership to Accelerate Nigeria's Inland Waterways Development at IMO
Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, has intensified efforts to attract international support for the development of Nigeria's inland waterways, holding high-level talks with the President of the World Maritime University (WMU), Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr., on the sidelines of the ongoing International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council Meeting in London.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in maritime education, research, capacity building, and sustainable inland water transportation as Nigeria seeks to modernise its waterways infrastructure and unlock the vast economic potential of the blue economy.
Shagari, who was accompanied by NIWA's Acting Managing Director, Yusuf Girei, said the Federal Government remains committed to repositioning the inland waterways sector as a critical driver of national economic growth, trade facilitation, and efficient transportation.
He noted that Nigeria possesses one of Africa's largest inland waterways networks, stressing that strategic partnerships with globally recognised maritime institutions are essential to developing the skilled manpower and technical expertise needed to improve safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory standards across the sector.
According to him, closer cooperation with the World Maritime University would provide Nigerian maritime professionals with greater access to international best practices, advanced training, research opportunities, and institutional knowledge capable of strengthening the country's maritime administration.
Shagari further emphasised that investment in human capital development remains central to achieving the Federal Government's vision of creating a modern, safe, and globally competitive inland waterways system that supports commerce, tourism, and environmental sustainability.
Responding, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr. reaffirmed the World Maritime University's commitment to assisting member states through world-class education, research, and professional development programmes.
He commended Nigeria's renewed commitment to maritime development and expressed the University's willingness to deepen collaboration with NIWA and other relevant agencies to enhance capacity building and institutional development.
The WMU President stressed that sustainable growth in the maritime industry depends on continuous investment in education, innovation, and strict compliance with international standards.
Both parties also explored opportunities for specialised training programmes, academic exchanges, collaborative research, and institutional partnerships aimed at strengthening Nigeria's inland waterways management framework and expanding the country's maritime capabilities.
Maritime stakeholders described the engagement as a strategic milestone that reinforces Nigeria's determination to align its inland waterways sector with global standards while building stronger partnerships with leading international maritime institutions.
The meeting formed part of a series of bilateral engagements taking place during the IMO Council Meeting, where maritime leaders from across the world are discussing policies and initiatives aimed at promoting safer, more secure, environmentally sustainable, and efficient global shipping.
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