Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Barrister Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, has pledged a comprehensive upgrade of the Authority’s ageing infrastructure, the gradual phase-out of unsafe boats, and stronger collaboration with stakeholders to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Shagari made the commitment on Wednesday , July 15th, 2026 during an inspection tour of NIWA’s facilities and ongoing projects in Lagos.

The tour, which covered the Authority’s Lagos Area Office in Marina, was conducted alongside members of the Governing Board and the Managing Director of NIWA, Engr. Yusuf Gerie.

Addressing journalists after the inspection, Shagari explained that the visit formed part of the Board’s nationwide assessment of NIWA’s operations and infrastructure with a view to identifying priority areas requiring intervention.

He disclosed that one of the Board’s first decisions after its inauguration was to undertake a comprehensive review of the Authority’s facilities across the country to facilitate the rehabilitation of dilapidated offices and jetties, while expanding critical inland water transport infrastructure.

“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,” he said.

The Board Chairman added that the Authority plans to increase the number of jetties nationwide, particularly in Lagos, to meet the growing demand for water transportation and improve connectivity across inland waterways.

On funding, Shagari acknowledged the need for continued government support but stressed that NIWA was equally focused on boosting its internally generated revenue through stronger stakeholder engagement and partnerships with relevant agencies.

He also reaffirmed the Authority’s determination to strengthen regulatory enforcement, especially against illegal jetties and unsafe operations.

According to him, NIWA is collaborating with security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to improve compliance with water transport regulations and enhance safety on the nation’s waterways.

Expressing concern over the continued use of ageing boats by commercial operators, Shagari described many of the vessels currently operating on Nigerian waterways as obsolete and unfit for modern water 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 declared.

He further revealed that NIWA is exploring the acquisition of modern vessels and will work closely with indigenous boat builders and other stakeholders to improve the quality, safety and reliability of water transport services.

Shagari emphasized that developing safer and more navigable inland waterways would significantly reduce transportation costs, ease pressure on the nation’s road network, facilitate the movement of goods and passengers, and stimulate economic growth.

He therefore called for increased private sector participation in dredging, infrastructure development and water transportation services, noting that the sustainable development of the inland waterways sector requires strong public-private collaboration.

Earlier, the Managing Director of NIWA, Engr. Yusuf Gerie, said the facility tour was designed to give the Board firsthand insight into operations at the Lagos Area Office and enable it to identify practical measures for improving the Authority’s performance nationwide.

Gerie commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for assembling what he described as a team of experienced professionals and technocrats capable of repositioning NIWA and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda within the marine and blue economy sector.

In her welcome address, the Lagos Area Manager, Engr. Sarat Braimah, described Lagos as the hub of Nigeria’s inland water transportation, stressing that the Area Office remains committed to promoting safety, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and infrastructure development on the nation’s busiest waterways.

She expressed confidence that the Board’s visit would further strengthen ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and enhance the Authority’s operational performance.

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has intensified its campaign against stowaways by taking its public awareness drive to grassroots communities as part of efforts to curb the growing menace.

At Snake Island, Lagos, the agency engaged community leaders, youths, and residents in an interactive sensitisation programme aimed at educating them on the dangers, legal implications, and far-reaching consequences of attempting to stow away on vessels.

Participants commended NIMASA for bringing the awareness campaign directly to the community, describing the initiative as timely, impactful, and essential in discouraging youths from engaging in the illegal and dangerous practice.

Leading the agency’s delegation, the Head of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code Unit, Mr. Mudi Isa, said stowaway incidents not only endanger the lives of those involved but also tarnish Nigeria’s image within the global maritime community.

He stressed that preventing stowaway incidents requires the active participation of coastal communities, noting that public enlightenment and sustained stakeholder engagement remain critical to addressing the challenge.
Isa reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to strengthening preventive measures through continuous community engagement and awareness campaigns, urging residents to partner with the agency by reporting suspicious activities around ports, jetties, and waterfronts.
The outreach forms part of NIMASA’s broader maritime security strategy aimed at promoting safer shipping, enhancing port security, and protecting Nigeria’s reputation as a responsible maritime nation.

Gloria Odion Maritime reporter 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has dealt a major blow to drug trafficking networks with the interception of 4,143.5 kilograms of Cannabis Indica valued at ₦26.57 billion, cleverly concealed inside a 40-foot container carrying imported used vehicles.

The illicit consignment was uncovered during a joint examination conducted by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Command’s Enforcement Unit.

The interception followed credible intelligence, which prompted the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, to order a comprehensive examination of 40-foot container No. FANU1933352.

The operation, carried out on Friday, July 10, 2026, led to the discovery of one of the largest cannabis seizures recorded at the nation’s premier port.

The container had been declared to contain three used vehicles—a 2015 red Nissan Micra, a 2019 black Toyota Corolla S, and a 2015 grey Toyota Corolla.

However, a meticulous inspection revealed 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica, each weighing 500 grams, bringing the total weight of the narcotics to 4,143.5 kilograms.

Investigators found that four of the bags had been concealed inside the red Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were strategically hidden beneath the container floor and in the spaces between the three vehicles.

No narcotics were found inside either the black Toyota Corolla S or the grey Toyota Corolla.

Speaking on the seizure, Comptroller Oshoba described the interception as another demonstration of the Apapa Area Command’s unwavering resolve to prevent the importation of prohibited items, particularly illicit drugs that threaten public health, national security, and the economy.
He noted that the successful operation aligns with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, against smuggling and all forms of illicit trade.

The Customs Area Controller reiterated the Command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while sustaining robust enforcement against prohibited and restricted imports.

He also commended the officers involved for their professionalism, vigilance, and dedication.

“This seizure once again demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that only legitimate trade thrives at Apapa Port,” Oshoba said.

“As investigations continue, we remain resolute in making the port inaccessible to those engaged in unlawful activities prohibited by our laws.

“I also wish to reassure our compliant traders of our continued support. They will continue to benefit from the trade facilitation measures introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs to promote seamless and legitimate business operations.”

Following the interception, Comptroller Oshoba ordered the seizure of the container in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and other relevant laws.

The seized Cannabis Indica will subsequently be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation, prosecution of those involved, and other necessary legal actions.

The seizure underscores the growing synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA in combating transnational organised crime, particularly the trafficking of illicit drugs through the nation’s seaports, while reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and protecting the public from the devastating effects of narcotics.