WATERWAYS SAFETY: NIWA urges states on collaboration
LAGOS/Nigeria: The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has called for increased collaboration between the federal agency and state governments to enhance the safety and security of inland waterways transportation.
Mr Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NIWA, said this in a statement on Thursday, in Lagos.
Oyebamiji saoke in a forum organised by the Nigeria Transportation Commissioners’ Forum, and emphasised the critical role that safety and security play in fostering a thriving water transportation system.
The theme of the forum was entitled: “Prevalent Safety, Security Hazards and Practices in Inland Waterways, Passenger Transport Safety”.
It was held in Ilorin, Kwara State, which 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.
“Also, the inauguration of several operational assets including survey boats, gunboats, water ambulances, and a passenger ferry.
“Safety campaigns have been launched across all operational bases, targeting local communities in their native languages,” he said.
The NIWA MD, highlighted the support from the National Assembly, including the ongoing discussions on establishing coastal guards.
He noted that safety and security on inland waterways had received attention from the House Committee on Inland Waterways.
Oyebamiji appealed to commissioners for transportation across relevant states to collaborate with NIWA in areas such as training, safety campaigns, infrastructure development, and financial empowerment.
He stressed that while the challenges are significant, they are surmountable through collective action.
He expressed optimism for actionable and implementable outcomes from the forum, which he believed would contribute significantly to ensuring safer and more secure inland waterways.
