NIWA to Collaborate With Security Agencies to Reduce Hazards on Waterways

By Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Management of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has concluded plans to collaborate with the various security agencies in the country so as to ensure safety of those travelling on the Waterways in the country.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NIWA, Chief Bola Oyebamiji, stated this in Ilorin, Kwara state capital on Wednesday on the sidelines of the one-day interactive session organised by the Commissioners of Works and Transport in the country, under the aegis of Nigeria Transportation Commissioners Forum, held in Ilorin, the state capital.

The interactive session was themed “Prevalent Safety, Security Hazards and Practices in Inland Waterways: Passengers Transport Safety”.

Oyebamji said that, the collaboration with the security agencies on the nation’s Waterways would go a long way to protecting the lives and property of the passengers.

He however said that, “the management of NIWA has held consultative meeting with the security agencies in Nigeria so as to collaborate on the tackling of any security threats on our nation’ waterways”.

Represented by his Technical Adviser, Dr. Olawale Tijani, Oyebamiji said, “Distinguished listeners, in June this year, the National Inland Waterways Authority unveiled the transportation code for public use.

“This was followed by the inauguration of several operational assets, including survey boats, gunboats, water ambulances, and a passenger ferry”.

He said, “Also, as of the 3rd quarter of 2024, NIWA has implemented several safety campaigns across all our operational bases using the local languages and through several relevant stakeholders.

“Just weeks back, the Honourable Commissioners of Transportation, among other stakeholders, met in Abuja to deliberate on safety and insecurity on the inland waterways.

“Therefore, while we continue to push ourselves for greater efficiency, the National Assembly through its relevant committees is equally up and doing.

“As you are aware, recently, discussions over the establishment of coastal guards were held at the National Assembly.

“Similarly, safety and insecurity on the inland waterways were given prominence by the members of the House Committee on Inland Waterways during their oversight visit to our Headquarters in November this year.

“These are few of what we are doing as a Federal Agency to enthrone safer Waterways.

“I therefore call on the Honourable Commissioners for Transportation across the relevant states not to relent but to be ready to collaborate with us to achieve the best for our people”.

Also speaking, the state governor and Chairman Nigeria’s Governors Forum (NGF), Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has called for urgent reforms on the water travels across the country.

He said that, such reform would curb rising incidents of boat mishap with massive loss of lives and properties.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Prof. Jubril Saaba, the governor said the reform should also be targeted at investment, infrastructure upgrade and improved regulation of water travels across the country.

AbdulRazaq said, “The Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) should also take the lead in this regard, supported by every stakeholder, including private sector players”.

He added, “We are grateful for the presence of our esteemed guests, who have taken time out of their busy schedules to join us today.

“Your participation and contributions will enrich our discussions and help us find solutions to the safety and security challenges we face.

“Let us work together to make our inland waterways safer and more secure for all users”.

In his remarks, the chairman of the Nigeria Transportation Commissioners Forum, Engineer Gbenga Dair,o said there was no doubt that the forum would provide an avenue to address series of hazards on the nation’s Waterways and provide likeable advice on how to reduce it.

Engineer Dairo who is also the Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Transport said that the protection of lives and property of passengers on Waterways remain important so as to advance the positive course of water transportation in the country.

He decried the reported death in Kwara, Kogi, Lagos on Waterways, saying “there should be pragramatic approach in order to avert such hazards in future”.
Dairo therefore pledged the forum would continue to work with NIWA so as to ensure proper safety on the nation’s Waterways.