The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has urged maritime operators and government partners to ensure that regulatory frameworks translate directly into safer waterways and robust economic growth.
The Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Malam Umar Yusuf Girei, made the call in Lagos during the commemoration of World Maritime Day, celebrated under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Excellence.” Girei emphasized that the true measure of maritime governance lies in actionable results, stressing that well-crafted policies must yield reliable infrastructure, sound environmental management, and enhanced navigational safety across Nigeria’s inland water corridors.
Reassuring industry stakeholders of the Authority’s collaborative stance, Girei stated that NIWA is doubling down on modernizing water transport facilities and strictly enforcing safety standards to protect riverine communities and boost trade.
He noted that achieving a globally competitive maritime sector requires a unified, cross-sector approach involving state governments, host communities, and private investors.
The event also featured youth engagement as part of NIWA’s corporate initiatives, with the acting managing director presenting awards to winners of the agency’s primary school essay competition.
Idris Jibilril Oladimeji of Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos, clinched the first-place prize of a laptop and 200,000 naira. Suleiman Aisha of St. Paul’s Anglican School, Lagos Island, secured second place with a laptop and 150,000 naira, while Yahaya Aliyah of St. Mathias Girls Primary School took third place, receiving a laptop and 100,000 naira.
Girei concluded by lauding the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for their continuous backing of the blue economy agenda, expressing optimism that current reforms will propel the inland waterways sector to unprecedented heights.
