Funso Olojo, Editor

The Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), has appealed to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to urgently address the acute shortage of life jackets across the country’s inland waterways, warning that the scarcity poses a serious threat to passenger and crew safety.

The appeal was made on Wednesday, July 29th, 2026, when the leadership and members of the association paid a courtesy visit to the NIWA Abuja Area/Liaison Office to congratulate the Acting Managing Director of the Authority, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, and the Area Manager of the Abuja Area/Liaison Office, Mrs. Aisha Eri, on their recent appointments.

Speaking on behalf of the association, the National President of ATBOWATON, Dr. Gani Tarzan Balogun, commended NIWA for its sustained support to boat operators across the country, particularly its commitment to improving safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

He noted that the Authority’s safety initiatives have yielded positive results, especially in the South-West region, but stressed that the shortage of life jackets remains one of the most pressing challenges confronting operators.

According to him, the provision of adequate life jackets is essential to safeguarding passengers and crew members and should remain a top priority for the Authority.

Dr. Balogun also urged NIWA to intensify efforts to improve the navigability of inland waterways, noting that a more efficient water transport system would reduce pressure on the nation’s overstretched road network by providing commuters and cargo operators with a safer and more reliable alternative.

Responding, the Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, appreciated the association for the visit and congratulatory message.

He assured the delegation that the Authority had already begun addressing many of the concerns raised, explaining that several interventions were already underway before the visit.

Also speaking, the Area Manager of the NIWA Abuja Area/Liaison Office, Mrs. Aisha Eri, described the visit as timely and encouraging.

She urged members of ATBOWATON to deploy their wealth of experience towards the development of water transportation in the Federal Capital Territory, expressing confidence that their expertise would contribute significantly to strengthening safe and efficient inland water transport in the FCT.

Funso OLOJO, Editor

As the rainy season reaches its peak, bringing rising water levels, stronger currents and increased pollution, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has intensified its waterways safety campaign by sensitising waterfront communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on safe navigation and environmental protection.

The NIWA Abuja Area/Liaison Office on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, conducted a Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Campaign at the Abaji Area Council, aimed at promoting safer water transportation and encouraging environmental stewardship among residents living in riverine communities.

The awareness programme reinforced the importance of adhering to safe navigation practices, proper use of safety equipment, and the collective responsibility of protecting Nigeria’s inland waterways from pollution and other environmental hazards.

The initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and supports the Federal Government’s policy of zero tolerance for water transport accidents and safety infractions.

Speaking during the campaign, the Area Manager of the Abuja Area/Liaison Office, Hajia Aisha Eri, expressed appreciation to the host communities for their cooperation and commitment to the exercise.

She reaffirmed NIWA’s determination to continue safeguarding the nation’s inland waterways while protecting the lives and livelihoods of those who depend on them.

Also speaking, the Emir of Kwali, HRH Alhaji Adamu Saba Aguma, commended NIWA for taking the safety enlightenment campaign to grassroots communities. He pledged the full support of traditional institutions in ensuring compliance with safety regulations and protecting the waterways.

Other traditional rulers, including the District Head of Kundu, John Dogole; the Sarkin Tungbufu, Mohammed Yusuf; the Sarkin Nassarawa, Ayahaya Nassarawa; the Sarkin Kutara, Musa Wabai; the Sarkin Kwago and Padama, Musa Alanana; and the Sarkin Kwakwa, Abdullahi Kwakwa, also lauded the initiative.

They expressed appreciation for the sensitisation programme and assured NIWA of their communities’ commitment to implementing the safety measures and environmental practices highlighted during the campaign.

The sensitisation exercise forms part of a nationwide directive by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, mandating sustained engagement with littoral communities to promote safety consciousness and reduce accidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

In line with the directive, the Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, has instructed all Area Offices nationwide to accord the campaign the highest priority as part of the Authority’s broader strategy to enhance waterways safety.

NIWA said the Abuja Area Office will extend the campaign to other waterfront communities within and around the FCT in the coming week as it continues efforts to promote safer inland water transportation during the peak of the rainy season.

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has pledged to strengthen its partnership with the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to enhance safety and reduce the incidence of boat accidents across the country’s inland waterways.

The commitment was made by the Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Malam Umar Yusuf Girei, when he received the Director-General of NSIB, Captain Alex Sabundu Badeh Jnr., during a courtesy visit to the NIWA headquarters in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Tuesday, July 21st, 2026.

Girei said the renewed collaboration would focus on information sharing, joint operations and closer institutional cooperation aimed at addressing the persistent challenge of boat mishaps on Nigeria’s waterways.

He stressed that effective collaboration among relevant agencies is essential to improving navigation safety and protecting lives and property.

“NIWA is dedicated to strengthening partnerships with sister agencies to improve safety standards and enforce regulations for safer water transportation in Nigeria,” he said.

The Acting Managing Director assured the NSIB of NIWA’s readiness to provide relevant information, technical expertise and operational support to facilitate prompt investigation of marine incidents and the implementation of preventive measures to minimise future accidents.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NSIB, Captain Alex Sabundu Badeh Jnr., said the visit was intended to reinforce the existing relationship between the two agencies and identify new areas of collaboration in accident investigation, data sharing and the promotion of safety standards.

The meeting underscores the growing efforts by both agencies to improve safety oversight on Nigeria’s inland waterways amid recurring boat accidents, with greater emphasis on coordinated investigations, information exchange and proactive measures to prevent future tragedies.