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

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has welcomed BUA Group’s $85 million investment in the expansion of its Port Harcourt terminal, describing the project as a major boost to cargo throughput, eastern port utilisation and Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading maritime hub in West Africa.

Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, disclosed the investment plan during a visit to the Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, where he briefed the authority on the progress of the terminal expansion and expressed appreciation for the agency’s support.

Rabiu said the project, now at an advanced stage, will provide about 600 metres of additional quay frontage, significantly increasing the company’s capacity to receive vessels and handle the growing volume of raw materials required for its expanding manufacturing operations.

According to him, the expansion is driven by BUA’s rapid growth across its food and manufacturing businesses, with the company projecting that more than two million tonnes of raw materials and products will move through the Port Harcourt facility annually once the project is completed next year.

“By the time we are done with the expansion, inshallah, next year, we’ll be having almost over two million tons of products being imported as raw materials to Port Harcourt, and for that we need a terminal, we need a facility,” Rabiu said.

He explained that the projected cargo volume would translate into about six to seven vessels calling at the terminal every month, making efficient port infrastructure indispensable to sustaining BUA’s supply chain.

Rabiu noted that the investment forms part of the conglomerate’s broader expansion strategy across cement, food processing, mining and infrastructure, stressing that efficient maritime logistics remain central to the success of those investments.

He also advocated greater investment in port infrastructure outside Lagos, arguing that Nigeria’s economic size requires a more balanced and geographically diversified port systey

Commending the NPA leadership, Rabiu described the authority as competent and supportive of private-sector investment, while thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing what he called a dedicated management team.

He recalled that BUA’s Port Harcourt terminal concession had previously been revoked but expressed satisfaction that the facility is now being expanded with the cooperation of the NPA, describing the development as evidence of the value of government-private sector collaboration.

Responding, NPA Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho described Rabiu as one of the authority’s strategic stakeholders, assuring the company of continued institutional support.

He said the authority remains committed to investments capable of increasing cargo volumes, improving utilisation of eastern ports and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness within the regional maritime industry.

Dantsoho noted that while BUA had already established a significant presence in Lagos, its decision to expand into Port Harcourt would help rebalance cargo traffic across the country’s port system.

“Now we know that he has invested a lot in Lagos. Now he’s investing also a lot in Port Harcourt. So in that way, our volumes will increase. If we are talking about exporting, we are exporting more. If we are talking about importing, we can import more. And by so doing, we are going to create more value from those transactions,” he said.

According to him, increased cargo throughput at Port Harcourt would stimulate import and export activities, generate additional economic value and boost foreign exchange earnings.

The NPA boss said the authority’s strategy is anchored on close collaboration with terminal operators, investors and other stakeholders to build efficient, smart and globally competitive ports.

He added that BUA’s investment aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to revive eastern ports and ease pressure on the Lagos port corridor.

Dantsoho also cited recent assessments by S&P Global and the World Bank, which ranked Apapa and Tin Can Island ports among the world’s most improved ports, saying the recognition reflects the positive impact of ongoing reforms within Nigeria’s port system.

He stressed that sustained engagement between the NPA and private investors remains essential to achieving long-term growth and competitiveness.

“We know that we have to come to them. They know that they have to come to us. This is something that must happen for us to make any progress. And we are achieving that, so give God the glory,” he said.

The $85 million expansion is expected to significantly enhance BUA’s maritime logistics capacity while reinforcing the commercial importance of the Port Harcourt port complex.

Beyond supporting the company’s industrial expansion, the project is projected to increase cargo traffic through the eastern maritime corridor, deepen private-sector participation in port infrastructure development and advance the Federal Government’s objective of achieving a more balanced and efficient national port system.

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.