National Inland Waterways Authority - NIWA

17/10/2026

EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF MARITIME POLICIES TO BOOST SAFETY, EXCELLENCE - Ag.MD

The Acting Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Malam Umar Yusuf Girei, has called for the effective implementation of maritime policies to enhance safety, improve infrastructure and promote sustainable development in Nigeria's maritime sector.

Girei made the call while delivering his speech at the commemoration of this year's World Maritime Day in Lagos, theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Excellence.”

He noted that the theme highlights the importance of translating well-formulated policies into practical actions that deliver tangible benefits to the maritime industry and the nation at large.

"Effective implementation of maritime policies is essential to achieving safer waterways, reliable infrastructure, responsible environmental management and efficient services that support trade and economic growth". He added

The NIWA Acting Managing Director reaffirmed the Authority's commitment to translating policies into practical results across Nigeria's Inland Waterways through collaboration with state governments, industry stakeholders, host communities and development partners.

He said NIWA would continue to prioritise improved navigation, strengthened safety standards, modernisation of facilities and protection of the waterways that sustain the livelihood of Nigerians.

He stressed that, a coordinated approach among stakeholders would help build a competitive maritime industry capable of contributing significantly to national economic development.

He expressed confidence that the World Maritime Day celebration would inspire stakeholders to transform their shared aspirations into concrete achievements that would advance the sector.

The NIWA boss therefore, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; the Permanent Secretary; and other stakeholders for their contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria's maritime industry.

The Acting MD joined in the award presentation of primary school children's category Essay competition sponsored by NIWA with the first position to Idris Jibiril Oladimeji of Holy Cross primary school , Lagos winning 200, 000 cash and a laptop computer, the second position went to Suleiman Aisha of St. Paul's Anglican School Lagos Island with the sum of 150,000 and a laptop computer and finally the third position to yahaya Aliyah of St. Mathias Girls primary school, Lagos with 100, 000 and a laptop computer.

16/10/2026

OYETOLA REITERATES FG’s COMMITMENT TO MODERNISING PORTS OUTSIDE LAGOS

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON, has reassured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising ports outside Lagos as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s maritime infrastructure, improve trade efficiency and stimulate economic activities across the federation.

In a statement signed by Dr. Bolaji Akinola Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister
Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Minister gave the assurance on Friday at the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, reaffirming the government’s resolve to develop a more balanced network of maritime gateways across the country.

He said the ongoing drive to modernise Nigeria’s ports remained a critical component of the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda, with particular attention to improving the capacity and efficiency of existing facilities beyond Lagos.

Oyetola identified Onne, Warri and Calabar ports as part of the modernisation programme, which complements efforts at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to its deep seaport development agenda, covering proposed projects at Agge, Bakassi, Bonny, Gateway, Ibom and Ondo.

“This is a deliberate effort to expand capacity, improve efficiency and build a more balanced national network of maritime gateways,” Oyetola said.

He explained that the broader vision of the Ministry is the effective connections between seaports, inland dry ports and production centres through an integrated network of roads, railways and inland waterways.

“By linking our seaports to Inland Dry Ports and production centres through an integrated multimodal network of road, rail and inland waterways, we are bringing cargo closer to producers and consumers, reducing haulage costs, easing pressure on Lagos, strengthening exports and stimulating industrial and logistics clusters across the Federation,” he said.

He further stated that Nigeria’s maritime development agenda extends beyond coastal communities, noting that Inland ports and waterways, including Onitsha and Baro, remained important to connecting businesses and production centres to national and international markets.

He assured the people that the government was working with relevant agencies and investors to ensure that its port development objectives translated into functional infrastructure, efficient cargo handling, navigable channels and dependable transport connections.

The minister also highlighted the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen economic regulation, promote fair competition and improve service delivery across the port system.

He maintained that sustained investment in port infrastructure and improved connectivity would help reduce logistics costs, encourage investment, support exports and create employment opportunities across different parts of the country.

The World Maritime Day celebration attracted maritime industry leaders, heads of government agencies, lawmakers and other stakeholders.

In his goodwill message, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, called for an end to attacks on seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz.

16/10/2026

NIWA SENSITIZES ADAMAWA COMMUNITY ON WASTE MANAGEMENT AND WATER POLLUTION

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) through its Yola Area office has carried out a sensitization/enlightenment campaign in the riverine community of Bakin-Kogi in Yola, Adamawa state.

The campaign led by the Yola Area Manager, Hajiya Nana Asmau Jika focused on how boat operators and water users should manage waste so as to prevent channel blockage and water pollution.

She emphasised the strict adherence to the safety measures as stipulated by the Authority, such as compulsory use of LifeJackets, and proper waste management.

The Nigeria Red Cross society who were in attendance urged the riverine community to adhere to the safety measures as negligence will affect human life, health and ecosystem.

Also in attendance were representatives of the District Head, members of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, Maritime Unions, Marine Police and other stakeholders.

14/10/2026

OYETOLA VISITS GHANA, MOVES TO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL COOPERATION ON FISHERIES GOVERNANCE, VESSEL AUTHORISATION

In a bid to strengthen Bi-lateral cooperation on fisheries governance, sustainable fisheries management and the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing between Nigeria and Ghana, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola CON, has visited Ghana, where he met with the Ghanaian Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Emelia Arthur in Accra.

A statement signed by Dr. Bolaji Akinola
Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister
Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, stated that "the visit also provided an opportunity for the Minister who is also the President of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), to engage with the FCWC Secretariat and the Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Centre in Tema, Ghana, as part of efforts to advance regional cooperation during Nigeria’s chairmanship of the Committee".

During the meeting with his Ghanaian counterpart, Oyetola emphasised the need for stronger coordination between Nigeria and Ghana in tackling IUU fishing, describing the menace as a shared concern with serious implications for food security, government revenue and the livelihoods of fishing communities.

He noted that effective cooperation between the two countries would strengthen the wider regional response to illegal fishing and contribute to the sustainable management of shared fisheries resources.

The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s pilot implementation of the Regional Record of Authorised Fishing Vessels as a practical platform for enhanced cooperation with Ghana, particularly in verifying vessel authorisations and exchanging relevant information through the FCWC framework.

According to him, technical teams from both countries could work together to identify discrepancies in vessel authorisation records and establish agreed procedures for resolving them, thereby improving transparency, compliance and fisheries monitoring across the subregion.

“Our shared interest is to protect fisheries resources, expand sustainable production and strengthen the livelihoods of our people. Nigeria remains committed to working with Ghana towards these objectives,” Oyetola said.

In her remarks, Hon. Emelia Arthur commended Nigeria for its efforts in combating piracy and for the significant strides recorded in the Marine and Blue Economy sector.

She reaffirmed that the fight against IUU fishing remains a priority for Ghana and pledged her country’s full cooperation with Nigeria in addressing the challenge.

The Ghanaian Minister also disclosed that Ghana had developed its own Marine and Blue Economy policy and sought Nigeria’s support in sharing knowledge and experience, noting Nigeria’s pioneering position in developing such a policy framework.

The request underscores the importance of knowledge-sharing and policy collaboration between both countries as they pursue sustainable ocean governance, improved fisheries management and the development of their respective blue economy sectors.

As part of his engagements in Ghana, Oyetola also visited the FCWC Secretariat in Tema, where he met with the Secretary-General, Dr. Antoine Djihinto, and other staff members of the Secretariat.

The Minister commended the Secretariat for the achievements recorded over the past year and reiterated his commitment to working closely with other FCWC Member States to strengthen regional fisheries governance and eliminate IUU fishing in the West Central Gulf of Guinea.

He stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among member countries, noting that coordinated monitoring, control and surveillance, improved information-sharing and effective implementation of regional initiatives are essential to protecting fisheries resources and ensuring their long-term sustainability.

The FCWC brings together six member countries: Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Togo. The Committee provides a framework for regional cooperation in fisheries management, maritime security and the promotion of sustainable fisheries practices across the West Central Gulf of Guinea.

Oyetola’s engagements in Ghana reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to deepening regional partnerships, strengthening fisheries monitoring and enforcement, and advancing a sustainable Marine and Blue Economy that supports food security, economic growth and the livelihoods of coastal communities across the subregion.

14/10/2026

NIWA CAUTIONS BOAT OPERATORS AGAINST BREACHING SAFETY PROTOCOLS

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has cautioned boat operators against breaching safety protocols before and during boarding.

Muhammed Bello Bala the NIWA Kaduna Area Manager gave the warning during a sensitization campaign on waterways safety and flood control in Kaduna.

Represented by Mr. Munir Mohammed, the Area Manager said "preventable human errors, including the use of unseaworthy boats, overloading, night sailing and failure to wear life jackets, contributed to boat accidents".

He further stated that "the campaign is designed to educate water users on flood safety precautions and discourage unsafe navigation practices".

Muhammed urged boat operators and water users to refrain from practices that leads to incidents on the waterways, and also encouraged them to adhere strictly to all safety protocols as outlined by the Authority.

In his remarks, Abdulkadir Mohammed, Head of Search and Rescue, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), urged boat operators and other river users to take safety precautions seriously, particularly during flooding and other emergencies, to minimise risks to lives and property.

Also commenting on the issue of safety, Engr. Bala Micah, the unit head Marine advised operators to assess weather and water conditions before journeys, observe vessel capacity limits and ensure passengers wore life jackets correctly.

The highlight of the event was the distribution of life jackets to boat operators.

Also in attendance were representatives of security agencies, officials of NEMA, boat operators and other stakeholders.

12/10/2026

NIGERIA SET TO PARTNER NORWAY IN USING SATELLITE SURVEILLANCE TO COMBAT ILLEGAL FISHING

In a bid to protect Nigeria's marine resources from exploitation, the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is set to partner with Norway on satellite surveillance of Nigerian waters to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing within our waterways.

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola CON, who is the leading figure representing Nigeria in the proposed partnership welcomed the Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria Mr. Svein Baera, who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

In his remarks, the Minister said "the protection of our waters is an environmental responsibility and an economic imperative, and we must protect our Marine resources from exploitation by external exploiters so as to safeguard the livelihoods of our fishermen and ensure that our marine resources contribute meaningfully to National Development".

In his speech, Mr. Baera said "the visit was to introduce the Blue Justice initiative, which provides participating countries with free satellite-based Automatic Identification System (AIS) vessel-tracking data through the Blue Justice Ocean Surveillance Programme".

He explained that "the programme would provide Nigeria with both real-time and historical vessel-tracking data, enabling relevant authorities to monitor maritime activities, investigate suspicious movements and identify patterns associated with illegal fishing".

The Ambassador was accompanied by Ms. Michelle Hovi, the Second Secretary (Political and Project Development).

Others in attendance were; Mrs. Fatima Mahmood the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Marine and Blue Economy and Professor Busayo Fakinlede, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Marine and Blue Economy.

01/10/2026

30/09/2026

NIWA, NEMA CONDUCTS REFRESHER TRAINING ON URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has conducted a refresher training on urban search and rescue for NEMA staff and other critical stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Mall. Bello Bala, the Kaduna Area Manager represented by Mr. Ahan Theophilus said "the purpose of this exercise is to prepare and enlighten the people on safety measures before, during and after flooding". He stated that its a well known fact that Kaduna state is one of the flood prone states and as stakeholders, there is a need to come together and see what can be done to enlighten the people on safety measures to be followed.

In her remarks, Mrs. Halima Dauda Suleiman the Head of Operations NEMA, Kaduna state said "the training is about preparedness against any eventuality. And that once a disaster occur, there is a need to have people on ground ready to be on the go". She emphasized the need to be on the same page as all other stakeholders to work in coordination so as to ensure safety before, during and after the flood.

The highlight of the event was a live water rescue simulation exercise carried out in conjunction with other safety agencies.

The training which held in Unguwan Sarki, Kaduna North had in attendance representatives of The Nigerian Police Force, the National Security and Civil Defense Corps, the Federal Road Safety Commission, Federal Fire Service and all other relevant stakeholders

25/09/2026

NIWA, ATBOWATON SENSITIZES ABEOKUTA COMMUNITY ON CULTURAL HERITAGE AND SAFETY PROTOCOL

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in collaboration with the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) carried out a sensitization campaign in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

The campaign which formed part of the activities marking the 2026 Annual YEMOJA festival took place at the Ago Ika Jetty in Abeokuta.

Speaking at the event, Engr. Segun Ipinmoroti the Abeokuta Area Manager said, "As we are celebrating our cultural heritage, we are maintaining safety protocols on the waterways. We are here to pass a message of total safety".

He reiterated that "anybody going on board must put on a life jacket before boarding a boat, must not sail at night or drive under the influence of alcohol".

He emphasized the importance of adherence to all safety protocols before, during and after the celebration, so as to avoid incidents on the waterways.

In his remarks, the National President of ATBOWATON, Mr. Ganiu Balogun, appreciated NIWA for its efforts in ensuring safer water transportation. He disclosed that the association enforces a strict “No life jacket, no entry” rule at jetties in collaboration with River Marshalls deployed by NIWA.

He appealed to the federal and state governments to support operators with more life jackets in order to ensure safety on the waterways.

Also in attendance were the immediate past Vice President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), South West, Mr Kayode Kolade, among other community members and stakeholders.