The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has unveiled an ambitious nationwide reform programme aimed at rehabilitating dilapidated jetties, phasing out unsafe boats and accelerating the modernization of Nigeria’s inland water transport system through strategic partnerships with indigenous boat builders and private investors.
The initiative was announced by the Chairman of the NIWA Governing Board, Barrister Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, during a media briefing in Lagos following an inspection tour conducted by members of the Governing Board alongside the Managing Director of the Authority, Engr. Yusuf Gerie.
This was contained in a statement signed by Shagari’s Media Aide and made available to newsmen on Thursday, highlighting the Authority’s renewed commitment to transforming Nigeria’s inland waterways into a safer, more efficient and economically viable transportation network.
According to the statement, the newly inaugurated Governing Board has commenced a comprehensive assessment of NIWA facilities across the country to identify critical infrastructure gaps and prioritize rehabilitation projects capable of improving operational efficiency and service delivery.
Shagari said the Board was determined to restore and upgrade offices, jetties and other key facilities nationwide to ensure they meet modern standards and adequately support the growing demands of water transportation in the country.
“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 disclosed that a major component of the reform agenda is the gradual elimination of aging and unsafe vessels that continue to pose significant risks to passengers and operators on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The NIWA Chairman explained that the Authority would actively encourage indigenous operators to acquire safer and technologically advanced boats while facilitating procurement arrangements that give priority to Nigerian boat building companies.
“We are committed to phasing out unsafe vessels and replacing them with safer and more modern alternatives. We will work with indigenous boat builders and industry stakeholders to raise fleet standards and improve the quality of water transport services across the country,” he said.
Shagari further called for stronger private sector participation in dredging operations, waterways infrastructure development and transportation services, noting that such partnerships are critical to unlocking the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s inland waterways.
He added that NIWA would intensify efforts to boost internally generated revenue through strategic stakeholder engagement, improved regulatory compliance and closer collaboration with relevant government agencies and private investors.
On safety and security, the Board Chairman revealed that the Authority is strengthening cooperation with security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to enforce compliance with waterways regulations and curb activities at unauthorized and unregulated jetties across the country.
Speaking during the visit, NIWA Managing Director, Engr. Yusuf Gerie, said the Board’s inspection of Lagos facilities was intended to provide firsthand insight into operational realities and generate practical solutions for improving inland water transport services nationwide.
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, expressing confidence that the Authority’s renewed focus on infrastructure, safety and private sector collaboration would significantly advance the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the marine and blue economy sector.
Also speaking, Lagos Area Manager Engr. Sarat Braimah reaffirmed Lagos’ strategic role as the nation’s foremost inland water transport hub, while Board Member Captain Tajudeen Alao urged operators, investors and security agencies to support the Authority’s reform drive, stressing that increased investment in modern vessels and indigenous boat building capacity would not only improve safety but also stimulate local industry, create jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s waterways economy.
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