The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has reaffirmed its commitment to safety on Nigeria’s waterways by distributing nearly 6,000 life jackets to boat operators and passengers nationwide.

Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji FCIB, disclosed this during the inaugural meeting of the newly appointed Board of Directors. He emphasized that the initiative aims to drastically reduce accidents and enhance safety standards on inland waterways.

The new Board is chaired by Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, with Bola Oyebamiji as Managing Director. Oyebamiji highlighted recent milestones, including the gazetting of the Water Transportation Code, deployment of additional Water Marshals to oversee loading and off-loading points, and extensive public sensitization campaigns across more than twelve states.

He added that NIWA has strengthened cooperation with several state governments, including Bayelsa, Niger, Kwara, Sokoto, and Lagos, while maintaining regular safety inspections at jetties and watersides.

In his inaugural address, Board Chairman Hon. Adar expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment and acknowledged the support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. He praised previous leadership for laying a solid foundation and pledged to collaborate with stakeholders to achieve NIWA’s vision of becoming a world-class, professionally managed authority.

With the distribution of thousands of life jackets and continuous enforcement of safety standards, NIWA is demonstrating a strong commitment to reducing accidents and ensuring secure waterway transportation across Nigeria.