ILORIN, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has initiated efforts to collaborate with coastal states to enhance the safety of Nigerians commuting via the nation’s waterways.
Speaking at a one-day consultative forum organized by the Nigeria Transportation Commissioners’ Forum in Ilorin, NIWA Managing Director Bola Oyebamiji highlighted the critical importance of safety and security in fostering a sustainable water transportation system.
The conference, themed “Prevalent Safety, Security Hazards and Practices in Inland Waterways: Passenger Transport Safety,” addressed the pressing challenges facing the sector.
Oyebamiji outlined NIWA’s recent measures to improve safety, including the launch of a transportation code, the deployment of survey boats, gunboats, water ambulances, and passenger ferries, and grassroots safety campaigns in local languages.
He praised the National Assembly’s support, noting ongoing discussions about establishing coastal guards and the attention safety issues have received from the House Committee on Inland Waterways.
The NIWA chief appealed to state transportation commissioners to partner in areas such as training, infrastructure development, and safety advocacy. While acknowledging the challenges, he stressed that collective action can overcome them.
“We are optimistic this forum will yield actionable solutions to ensure safer and more secure inland waterways,” Oyebamiji said.
