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Tag: NIWA

  • NIWA commences clean up of Warri jetties

    NIWA commences clean up of Warri jetties

    The management and staff of the Warri Area Office of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has commenced cleaning-up exercise of some major jetties within the commercial city.

    The exercise, which commenced from Tuesday, December 9, 2025 to Monday, January 12, 2026, saw three major jetties including; Pessu Waterside, Main Market and Ugbuwangue jetties wearing a new look as all the aquatic weeds, common water hyacinth, floating nylons, plastics and drinking cans as well as refuse dumps were cleared.

    Speaking during the exercise, the Warri Area Manager, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Engr Rufus Oladimeji, said the exercise was part of NIWA’s ongoing efforts to ensure safe navigation aimed at sustaining inland water transport in the country.

    According to him: “Due to the importance attached to this ongoing cleanup, we have been directed to sustain the exercise until the waterways are fully desilted and made navigable to boat operators plying these routes for the safety of their passengers”.

    While disclosing that the management had made a commitment towards the desilting of the Pessu waterways, Oladimeji noted that “Water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic weed, has been a recurring issue in Nigerian waterways, disrupting navigation, fishing, and local livelihoods”.

    Reacting to the ongoing cleanup exercise, boat passengers at Ugbuwangue have applauded the management and staff of NIWA Warri office for taking it upon themselves to commence the cleanup exercise and called on the federal government to ensure the sustenance of the operations for the safety of commercial transport passengers across the country.

    Operators of Pessu waterways in Warri South Council area, have commended the efforts of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola, for his reassurance to embark on the desilting of the Pessu waterways, describing it as as long overdue in opening up the commercial activities of Warri and its environs.

  • 2026 budget: NIWA earmarks 16.09b for purchase of boats, dredging, others

    2026 budget: NIWA earmarks 16.09b for purchase of boats, dredging, others

    The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has earmarked N16.09 billion in the 2026 budget for projects aimed at boosting safety and infrastructure on Nigeria’s waterways.

    Details of the proposed budget by NIWA show that N10.313,800,000 billion will be used to purchase sea boats and N210 million for maintenance and rehabilitation of workshop machinery, marine crafts, and purchase of machine tools and accessories.

    The Agency also proposed N1.859,167,715 billion for the part dredging of 1000-kilometre navigable Inland waterways.

    N490 million has also been set aside for the construction of an inland river port at Oguta in Imo State, and N210 million for the removal of wrecks within inland waterways in the South East, South West, and South South geopolitical zones.

    N280 million is budgeted for the construction of jetties and ramps in Lagos, Yola, Eket, Kaduna, Kebbi, Benue, and Oziza in Ebonyi State.

    Read Also: LASWA, NIWA reiterate safety rules after Igbologun boat mishap

    N385 million is also proposed for mechanical and manual clearing of water hyacinth, floating debris, and wastes from the six geopolitical zones of Nigerian inland waterways.

    To enhance security and boost revenue, N245 million is set aside for the acquisition of security and revenue patrol boats.

    N294 million is budgeted for the establishment and rehabilitation of existing search and rescue stations, equipping them, sensitisation, and other relevant exercises to boost the efficiency of the Agency, reduce cases of mishaps on the waterways, and improve emergency response.

    The Agency also proposed N210 million for mapping and charting of waterways and their right of way nationwide (Bayelsa, Kebbi, Kwara, Nigeria, Lagos, Imo, Anambra, Adamawa, Kogi, Rivers, and Delta States).

    The Agency also proposed N70 million for environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment of inland waterways, and infrastructure.

    N140 million is also proposed for the digitisation of NIWA’s operations to improve operational efficiency.

  • NIWA, Lufredha Academy conclude workshop in Delta, others

    NIWA, Lufredha Academy conclude workshop in Delta, others

    The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in collaboration with one of its leading consultant, Lufredha Maritime Academy, has concluded a three-day training workshop for boat operators at various designated centres across the geo-political zones.

    The intensive training workshop sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy at NIWA Warri premises from Monday, December 22 to Thursday, December 24 attracted participants drawn from Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.

    While the first and second day of the training was channeled on theoretical training, the last day witnessed practical and fitness activities which included firefighting drills, Marine operations, sea trials, Ropes tying, practical application of rules of the road among others.

    The training workshop was climaxed with the issuance of certificates to the participants who passed all the stages of the rigorous exercise and met all the specified requirements needed as prerequisite for certification as a tested and trusted boat drivers and skippers.

    Read Also: Boxing Day: FCT CP patrol mosques, recreational centres across nation’s capital

    Managing Director of Lufredha Maritime Academy, Engr. Rosemary Tonlagha, emphasised the importance of training and re-training of boat operators as panacea to minimising the rates of boat mishaps on the nation’s waterways to guarantee the safety of lives and property e within the maritime space.

    She applauded the management of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and that of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), for the approval and sponsorship of this year’s workshop, noting that its only through such a sustainable training program can the issue of increasing boat accidents be reduced.

    According to her: “The training that is ongoing is actually on safety of boat operators and how boat operators are supposed to be trained and licensed, basically to ensure that the level of mishap that has been in water should be brought to minimal or to zero level that’s the major one we are trying to achieve.

    “They say faith comes by hearing and hearing the word. So the more you hear the more it gets to you, so that’s the reason why the ministry of Blue Economy Transport and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), collaborated together to see how this can be achieved.

    “The essence is to ensure that boat operators are actually being trained not just here in Warri as a major central place, we equally have people from Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom and Calabar are all centered here for the training to ensure that all the boat operators are trained and equipped for this engagement.

    “The truth is that we all look at the safety of the roads and pay less attention to the operators on the water, so that’s the reason why this training is coming up to see how enforcement can be achieved, how people can be monitored properly to ensure that mishaps reduce, lives are saved because both on the land and in the waters there are people that ply these means of transportation.

    “So we are trying to see that after these people are well trained, license will be given to them and they will be knowledgeable enough. They will be equipped with enough knowledge that will help them to carry out their job functions and as such reducing the risk commonly associated with avoidable mishaps on the nation’s waterways.

    “Majorly, we want to appreciate the Minister of Blue Economy and Transportation for this initiative to sponsor these people, because It is actually a big one. It is something that many of them have been striving to get themselves trained.

    “So we would like to really say a big thank you to him for this great job that he has done and also the Managing Director of the National inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for his efforts and support that have been impactful.

    “We also want to appreciate the General Manager, Marine Department of NIWA. It has been great work with him and we want to really appreciate him for his commitment to this training.

    The Area Manager, NIWA Warri office, Engr. Rufus Oladimeji, also commended Minister of Blue Economy and Transportation and the Managing Director of NIWA, for their commitment in ensuring that this year’s training workshop was a huge success across the country.

    He was particularly grateful that the training of boat operators in the country which had become an annual event was a huge success this year and expressed optimism that subsequent years would be better and they hope to consolidate on the progress and impacts so far made.

    Participants at the workshop including High Chief Steady Olomi from Bayelsa, Bronson Enos from Akwa-Ibom and Captain Eweye Kingsley, a Marine Instructor, expressed satisfaction with the training program and hope to advantage of what they have learnt to practice whenever they are behind the wheel on any boat journey.

  • LASWA, NIWA strengthen joint safety measures on Lagos waterways for festive season

    LASWA, NIWA strengthen joint safety measures on Lagos waterways for festive season

    The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have strengthened joint safety and security measures across Lagos waterways in December as passenger traffic rose ahead of the festive season.

    The agencies said the coordinated effort is aimed at ensuring safer movement of passengers, protecting lives, and improving operational discipline across key water transport corridors in the state.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on the Blue Economy said the collaboration has expanded enforcement capacity and improved coordination with security agencies, vessel operators, and waterfront communities during the high travel period.

    He said safety on the waterways remained non-negotiable, adding that the joint operation is designed to guarantee a secure festive experience for all users of Lagos water transport routes.

    As part of the renewed enforcement drive, coordinated patrols have been carried out by officials of LASWA, NIWA, the Marine Police, and community safety volunteers along major waterways and terminals, particularly during peak travel hours and at night.

    As part of the coordinated safety operations, commercial passenger vessels would be subjected to joint safety inspections before and during the holidays, while random spot checks would be conducted to ensure compliance with operational licensing requirements and safety equipment standards.

    The agencies would also strengthen real-time monitoring of weather and water conditions on key routes and issue safety advisories to operators and commuters when necessary, including route adjustments where conditions pose risks to navigation.

    A strict zero alcohol boarding policy would be enforced, with passengers and crew members who show signs of intoxication denied boarding in a bid to prevent accidents and protect lives on the waterways.

    Passengers have been advised to wear life jackets properly, obey safety instructions from crew and enforcement officers, avoid boarding overloaded vessels, and maintain close supervision of children during water travel.

    Boat operators have also been directed to ensure they operate with valid licenses, complete passenger manifests, and functional safety equipment. They are also required to clearly display emergency contact information at terminals and onboard vessels and to maintain properly trained crew members while observing approved capacity limits.

  • Osun 2026: Oyebamiji resigns as NIWA boss, focuses on clinching APC guber ticket

    Osun 2026: Oyebamiji resigns as NIWA boss, focuses on clinching APC guber ticket

    • …lauds Tinubu, Oyetola; highlights achievements

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has resigned his appointment to focus on his Osun State Governorship ambition to clinch the ticket of All Progressives Congress (APC) of the party.

    Oyebamiji, who christened his political movement under APC as AMBO was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on October 25, 2025.

    Meanwhile, ahead of December 13, 2025 which APC fixed its party guber primary, he (Oyebamiji) has resigned his appointment in order to vie for the ticket.

    The ex-NIWA boss through his movement spokesperson, Adebayo Adedeji, in a statement confirmed his resignation, applauding President Tinubu and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, who recommended him to serve as the chief executive of the country’s waterways agency.

    He acknowledged that the strong recommendation of his leader Oyetola, spurred Tinubu to approve his appointment and thanked both leaders for their unwavering support.

    “During his two years tenure, Oyebamiji demonstrated exceptional leadership, deploying his extensive private and public-sector experience, spanning nearly 40 years, to reposition the waterways authority for optimal performance.

    “Within two years, his leadership worked assiduously to reduce deaths and accidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways by more than 70 per cent. His leadership also elevated safety awareness campaigns to unprecedented heights, while staff welfare received remarkable and widely commended attention,” said Adedeji.

    Read Also: Oyebamiji: Beyond his professional resume

    Speaking further, he said, “As he prepares for the next phase of his political journey, Oyebamiji is commited to offering quality leadership and excellent service to the people of Osun State as the state moves toward the 2026 governorship election.

    “His vision is to place Osun on a path of sustainable economic prosperity that both present and future generations will appreciate and be proud of.

    “For the 2026 governorship contest, AMBO places his trust in God Almighty, in the leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to nominate him as the party’s flag-bearer and, ultimately, in the good people of Osun State to support his aspiration to serve them with integrity, competence and dedication.”

  • Oyebamiji resigns as NIWA boss

    Oyebamiji resigns as NIWA boss

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has resigned to focus on his governorship ambition under the All Progressives Congress(APC). 

    Oyebamiji, who christened his political movement under APC as AMBO, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on October 25  2025. 

    The primary of the APC has been fixed for December 13, 2025. 

    The ex-NIWA boss through his movement spokesperson, Adebayo Adedeji in a statement confirmed the resignation of Oyebamiji, applauding President Tinubu and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Gboyega Oyetola  for the opportunity to serve the nation  

    Adedeji said: “During his two years tenure, Oyebamiji demonstrated exceptional leadership, deploying his extensive private and public-sector experience, spanning nearly 40 years, to reposition the waterways authority for optimal performance.

    “Within two years, his leadership worked assiduously to reduce deaths and accidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways by more than 70 per cent. His leadership also elevated safety awareness campaigns to unprecedented heights, while staff welfare received remarkable and widely commended attention

    “As he prepares for the next phase of his political journey, Oyebamiji is commited to offering quality leadership and excellent service to the people of Osun State as the state moves toward the 2026 governorship election. 

    “His vision is to place Osun on a path of sustainable economic prosperity that both present and future generations will appreciate and be proud of.

    “For the 2026 governorship contest, AMBO places his trust in God Almighty, in the leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to nominate him as the party’s flag-bearer and, ultimately, in the good people of Osun State to support his aspiration to serve them with integrity, competence and dedication.”

  • NIWA to develop Jabi Lake into world-class tourist hub

    NIWA to develop Jabi Lake into world-class tourist hub

    Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, has announced plans to develop Jabi Lake into a world-class tourist hub in FCT.

    The proposed project is expected to boost tourism and provide economic opportunities for Nigerians.

    Oyebamiji noted that the project aims to transform the lake into a modern tourist hub in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and vision of FCT minister.

    The NIWA chief spoke in Abuja yesterday after inspecting the lake in company of the agency’s management staff.

    He noted that NIWA will partner private enterprises to develop the lake.

    “We want to develop, add value, and modernise Jabi Lake, an asset of Federal Government by the Inland Waterways Authority.

    Read Also: Nigeria, other countries to tackle education crisis at World Schools Summit

    “In line with Renewed Hope Agenda of the President and in line with the work of minister of FCT, we are partnering private enterprises to make sure we develop this place into a world-class tourist centre.

    “We are going to start after collaborations with other agencies and once the project is completed, Nigerians and the world are going to see a good tourist centre”.

    Oyebamiji assured that the project will go through the necessary procurement processes, and interested investors can participate.

    “We have got three companies going to serve as a private enterprise, and we know that we have a procurement process. We are going to go through the procurement process and after that, we will start the project. At this stage, there is still an opportunity for interested investors to come in”.

    He emphasised that NIWA is committed to collaborating withinterested parties and doing business with them after due diligence.

  • Omisore’s kinsmen, Oyetola’s structure back NIWA boss for APC ticket

    Omisore’s kinsmen, Oyetola’s structure back NIWA boss for APC ticket

    Kinsmen of Senator Iyiola Omisore and the political group of Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, have adopted the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, as the preferred governorship aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    A group, Oyetola Consultative Forum (OCF), has inaugurated 1,500 of its members as local canvassers and coordinators to ensure emergence of Oyebamiji as the governorship candidate of the APC.

    The coordinator of the group, former Deputy Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Olanike Omoworare, who is from Ife Federal Constituency as Senator Omisore, said OCF was created for the re-election of Oyetola and to resolve disputes in APC.

    Read Also: UCL: PSG begin title defence with emphatic 4-0 win over Atalanta

    She said: “We are working at every polling unit to ensure we are ready for the primaries. We are just getting started, we are going to train everybody to mobilise within the party towards the primaries.

    “We have started it. This is why we are holding a meeting with the ward coordinators. We have three coordinators per ward. We also have at the polling unit. Part of what we are doing now is to make sure Bola Oyebamiji becomes the standard-bearer of the party. We are ready for primaries.

    “We need someone who has integrity, someone who does not have a case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and others. We don’t want a controversial person to become the governor of the state. This is why I think he (Oyebamiji) is the best aspirant.

    “We are inaugurating 1,500 coordinators across the state to canvass support for Oyebamiji.”

  • Boat accidents: NIWA bans unlicensed boat operators

    Boat accidents: NIWA bans unlicensed boat operators

    • Agency to enforce ‘no lifejacket, no boarding’ rule

    The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has banned all unlicensed boat drivers and operators from operating any boats or watercraft on the nation’s waterways.

    The agency said no commercial passenger boat would be allowed to load from any point other than those recognised and registered by its authorities.

    NIWA Managing Director Bola Oyebamiji announced this yesterday in Abuja while addressing reporters on the agency’s efforts to curb boat mishaps across the country.

    He said: “NIWA has placed an immediate ban on loading activities from all unauthorised loading points across the country. No commercial passenger boat shall be allowed to load from any point other than those recognised and registered by NIWA;

     “It is mandatory for all commercial boat operators to provide and enforce the use of lifejackets on the boats always. Every commercial passenger boat must properly display its boat name letters and load line.

    READ ALSO; Open letter to the Northeast Development Commission

    “All unlicensed boats and watercrafts to be removed from the waterways, all unlicensed boat drivers and operators are banned from operating any boats or watercraft on the waterways; and

    “We call on the States, particularly the riverine states to collaborate with NIWA in the area of safety campaigns, training of boat operators and boat drivers, procurement and distribution of lifejackets, provision of landing platforms and deployment of modern passenger ferries.”

    The NIWA boss stressed the need to establish Coastal Guards, saying: “The community leaders have been collaborating well to enforce safety rules. Unfortunately, I think it has been difficult for them to actually enforce this among their communities. That is why we need that security arm that is singularly meant to control and to take charge of the enforcement of our waterways, which is the Coast Guard.

    “We have tried our water marshals. They are trying their best. But it seems their best is not enough.”

    Oyebamiji assured stakeholders that the Coast Guard would not duplicate the work of other security agencies.

    He said: “…We have the Coast Guard in America, and we have the Navy in America. We have the Coast Guard in the United Kingdom, and we have the Navy in the UK. The Coast Guard has to manage and enforce the transportation code on our inland waterways, not on our international waters.

    “This is very important. This is why we are saying that it is important that we need to establish one so that we can have the best and achieve the best results on our waterways.”

    Oyebamiji also hinted that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIWA have contacted relevant security agencies to complement their efforts on safety enforcement.

    “Going forward, we shall witness increased collaboration with the Marine Police and the Nigerian Navy, particularly as it relates to the enforcement of the ban on overloading, night sailing.

    “There shall be no passenger movement between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., and there is a compulsory usage of lifejackets on water.”

    The NIWA boss hailed the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adeboyega Oyetola, for the distribution of 45,000 standard lifejackets to Nigerians across 12 states.

    He stressed that the enforcement of the no lifejacket, no boarding rule would be strictly enforced.

    “Let me give you a life experience. The last one (boat mishap) that happened in Sokoto, there was a particular man who wore a lifejacket, and there was a woman who was holding onto the man because the woman did not wear the lifejacket. She knew the other guy wore the lifejacket, and the man, sensing that this woman could impede his survival, actually undressed the lifejacket. Because both of them held on to the lifejacket, they were secured and safe.

    “We will continue to advocate and campaign and to sensitise these people and let them know the importance of this to their lives. It is about their lives. It’s about securing our nation. There won’t be any nation with people.

    “So, we need to continue to campaign, advocate, and sensitise our people so that they will know that the best way is to wear the life jackets,” Oyebamiji added.

  • NIWA inaugurates emergency response team to tackle non-use of life jackets

    NIWA inaugurates emergency response team to tackle non-use of life jackets

    The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Niger-Kwara area office, has inaugurated an Emergency Response Team to strengthen rescue operations across waterways in the country.

    The move comes as the authority begins strict enforcement of the use of life jackets with the theme “No Life Jacket, No Travel.” 

    The enforcement exercise kicked off at the Gbajibo waterfront in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.

    For the past three years, NIWA has embarked on a sensitisation campaign to encourage passengers and boat operators to always wear life jackets. The campaign, according to the authority, has contributed to a gradual reduction in boat accidents nationwide.

    The Niger-Kwara Area Office Manager, Mr. Akapo Adeboye, said NIWA is now moving from sensitisation to full enforcement, stressing that boarding a boat without a life jacket will no longer be tolerated.

    Read Also: Oyetola, NIWA boss never indicted in 2019 multi-billion naira project— Aide

    “We have sensitised the people enough. Now, enforcement has started. No one will be allowed to travel on our waterways without putting on a life jacket,” Adeboye said during the inauguration of the Emergency Response Team.

    The newly inaugurated team will be responsible for quick rescue operations in case of emergencies, as part of efforts to improve safety and reduce casualties during accidents on waterways.

    Adeboye explained that the initiative is aimed at saving lives and ensuring that Nigerians using boats for travel or business return home safely.

    Community members and boat operators present at the Gbajibo waterfront expressed support for the initiative, noting that enforcing life jacket use will help protect lives, especially those of frequent travellers and fishermen.

    With the inauguration of the Emergency Response Team and strict enforcement of life jacket rules, NIWA says it is committed to reducing boat mishaps to the barest minimum and ensuring safer navigation across Nigerian waterways.