By Ola Akinwunmi
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is seeking stronger collaboration with state governments to enhance the safety and security of inland waterways transportation. This move is to foster a thriving water transportation system, critical for the country’s economic growth.
NIWA revealed this at a one-day consultative forum on safety and insecurities on inland waterways, organised by the Nigeria Transportation Commissioners’ Forum (NTCF) in Ilorin on Thursday. The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the authority, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, emphasised the critical role that safety and security play in fostering a thriving water transportation system.
The forum, themed: “Prevalent Safety, Security Hazards and Practices in Inland Waterways: Passenger Transport Safety in Ilorin, Kwara State,” sought to address the pressing issues facing the inland waterways sector.
Oyebamiji acknowledged the ongoing efforts by NIWA to improve safety, such as the recent unveiling of the transportation code for public use, and the inauguration of several operational assets including survey boats, gunboats, water ambulances, and a passenger ferry, noting that safety campaigns had been launched across all operational bases, targeting local communities in their native languages.
NIWA unveiled a transportation code for public use, marking a significant step towards improving safety standards in the sector. The authority is working closely with state governments to address pressing issues facing the inland waterways sector.
NIWA also deployed 350 Water Marshals across various platforms to raise awareness of safety measures for boat operators and passengers.
To achieve its goals, NIWA is counting on the support of state governments. The authority’s Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, emphasized the need for cooperation, stating that inland waterways have greater potential to transport passengers and goods than other modes of transportation, at a lower cost and faster.
By working together, NIWA hopes to collaborate more with state governments to create a safer and more efficient inland water transportation system, ultimately driving economic growth and development.
