NIWA unveils new safety measures, reports 70%  drop in waterways accident

...Oyebamiji reiterates commitment to Safer Waterways

By Seun Ibiyemi

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has unveiled a new set of measures designed to further strengthen safety and enforcement across Nigeria’s inland waterways, following growing concern over recent boat accidents.

At a press briefing in Abuja, NIWA’s Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, reiterated the Authority’s determination to safeguard lives and raise marine transportation standards. He disclosed that reforms introduced since October 2023, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, have already brought down accidents and fatalities on waterways by more than 70 percent.

Among notable progress recorded, NIWA has gazetted and launched the long-awaited Water Transportation Code, increased the deployment of Water Marshals nationwide from 80 to 350, introduced a passenger manifest system at recognised jetties, enforced the “No Lifejacket, No Boarding” rule, and reactivated Search and Rescue Stations that now cut emergency response time to under 30 minutes. More than 300 communities have also been reached through safety sensitisation campaigns in 2025 alone.

On the technical side, the Authority has installed marine navigational buoys along the Lower and Upper Niger, completed hydrographic surveys on a 624-kilometre stretch from Warri to Baro Port, and removed aquatic waste and wrecks to improve navigability.

Collaboration has also been a key part of NIWA’s strategy. State governments and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy have worked together to distribute over 45,000 lifejackets in just four months. Niger State was cited as a strong example, having provided ferries and safety equipment for its residents.

Looking ahead, NIWA intends to deepen partnerships with the Marine Police and Nigerian Navy to enforce the ban on overloading, night sailing, and the use of unlicensed operators. The Authority also renewed its appeal for the creation of Coastal Guards to boost enforcement capability.

Immediate directives now in place include a ban on loading at unauthorised points, compulsory lifejackets for all passengers, visible load lines and names on vessels, and the prohibition of unlicensed drivers from operating.

“The safety of Nigerians on waterways is a national duty that requires collective effort,” Oyebamiji said. “We have reduced accidents by more than 70 percent, but we must keep pushing until our waterways are completely safe.”