National Inland Waterways Authority - NIWA

05/04/2026

31/03/2026

NIWA INTENSIFIES 2026 FIRST QUARTER SAFETY CAMPAIGN, SENSITIZES BOAT OPERATORS AND PASSENGERS AT OKRIKA JETTY

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Port Harcourt Area Office, on March 30, 2026, conducted a one-day first quarter sensitization programme on safety compliance for boat operators and passengers at Okrika Jetty, Marine Base, Port Harcourt.

Speaking at the event, the Area Manager, Surv. Bernard Ekawu (MNIS), said the sensitization formed part of the agency’s sustained efforts to safeguard lives and property on inland waterways. He noted that the choice of Okrika Jetty for the first exercise of the year was deliberate, emphasizing that “charity begins at home,” given its proximity to the NIWA office.

Ekawu assured stakeholders of the agency’s commitment to the distribution of life jackets, stressing that Rivers State would be adequately captured in the current phase. He explained that the sensitization aligns with the provisions of the NIWA Transportation Code 2023, which has been duly approved and gazetted, adding that although many stakeholders had participated in previous exercises, the refresher was necessary to reinforce compliance.

He reiterated that no boat is permitted to operate without a valid operational license, warning that unlicensed boats would not be allowed on the waterways. He emphasized that the use of life jackets by both operators and passengers remains compulsory at all times.

The Area Manager further outlined key safety requirements, including zero tolerance for overloading, strict adherence to navigational signs, prohibition of night sailing, avoidance of over-speeding, and a firm warning against alcohol consumption while operating boats. He stressed that these measures are essential to reducing accidents and ensuring safe navigation.

Ekawu also highlighted the role of River Marshals, engaged by the Federal Government to monitor compliance at jetties. He urged the leadership of Okrika Jetty to ensure that designated members are always available to screen operators before departure, enforce safety standards, and enlighten passengers. He appealed to stakeholders to support NIWA’s efforts by educating others and serving as ambassadors of safety on the waterways.

In his response, the Chairman of Okrika Jetty, Tamuno Fiberesina, commended NIWA for the sensitization programme
while maintaining that operators generally comply with the stipulated 6:00 pm closing time.

Fiberesina described Okrika Jetty as one of the most peaceful and law-abiding in Rivers State, adding that both passengers and operators comply with the use of life jackets.

The programme featured an inspection of the jetty facilities by the Area Manager, the jetty leadership and interactive engagement with stakeholders.

Responding to the concerns raised, Ekawu assured participants that all issues, including infrastructure challenges and operational concerns, would be escalated to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.

Other stakeholders present at the event included Ali Samuel, Divers Chairman; Elymas Adolphus, General Secretary; and Gad Wakama, Organizing Secretary, alongside boat operators and passengers.

By Johnson Okoye, ACA

26/03/2026

PROMOTION OF NIWA POLICE COMMANDER FROM DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE (DCP) TO COMMISSIONER OF POLICE (CP)

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is pleased to inform all staff that NIWA Inland Waterways Police Commander CP. Abdulrahim Audu Shaibu has been promoted from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to Commissioner of Police (CP) by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Rilwan Disu on Monday 23rd March, 2026 at Force Headquarters, Abuja.

We extend our warmest congratulations to the CP on the well-deserved promotion. We are confident that he will bring even greater dedication and strategic direction to the Inland Waterways Police in support of safe navigation, Maritime security and growth of the Inland Waterways sector.

03/03/2026

In continuation of the "One Man One Jacket" campaign across the federation, the Lokoja Area office of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) took its campaign to Idah local Government Area of Kogi state.

The sensitization campaign was attended by traditional rulers, community elders, youths and relevant stakeholders.

The highlight of the campaign was the distribution of Life Jackets.

19/02/2026

NIWA MOVES TO STRENGTHEN SYSTEMS, PARTNERS WITH ANTI-CORRUPTION BODY- GIREI

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced new strategies aimed at improving its operational system and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders as part of efforts to boost efficiency and accountability.

Speaking at a post event Press Conference at NIWA Headquarters Lokoja, the Acting Managing Director, Umar Yusuf Girei, while answering questions from journalists stated that, the organization convened a two day Executive and Anti-Corruption training with the theme "Strengthening Integrity and Revenue System in Inland Waterways Management" organize for Board Members, Management and Area Managers and also 2026 NIWA Management Retreat in Abuja.

The Acting MD noted as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, with the support of His Excellency Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON Hon. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Authority is focused on aligning institutional goals in ensuring better service delivery to Nigerians.

He further said, as part of its anti-corruption drive, the Management held discussions with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to explore measures for strengthening transparency within its operations.

Girei therefore, assured staff that the ongoing reforms under his watch would translate into improved service and better working conditions.

"NIWA remains committed to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement and the reforms are expected to enhance both internal performance and public confidence". He stated.

14/02/2026

NIWA WINS MARITIME AGENCY OF YEAR 2025 FOR REDUCING BOAT MISHAPS BY 70%.

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has been honored with the maritime agency of the year 2025 award for its outstanding effort in reducing boat Mishaps by 70%.

The award/dinner night 2025 by the New Telegraph newspaper held at Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos was received by Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei the Acting Managing Director/CEO who dedicated it to the hardworking staff of the Authority and the former Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji FCIB.

Addressing the media, the Acting Managing Director expressed his gratitude, stating that the award is a testament of the Authority's dedication and commitment to improving maritime safety in Nigeria and will spur the staff to do more.

The award is a recognition of NIWA's efforts to promote safety and security on Nigerian Inland Waterways, including the implementation of the Inland Waterways Transportation Code and the deployment of Water Marshals to enforce safety regulations amongst many other achievements in 2025.

Some Management staff that accompanied the Ag. Managing Director were Engr. Mohammad Dangana (GM Special Duties), Suleiman Makama (AGM Corporate affairs) Dr. Wale Tijani (TA to the MD) and Engr. Sarat Braimah (Lagos Area office Manager).

13/02/2026

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) through its Calabar Area Office organized a Workshop tagged "BOAT DRIVERS NAVIGATION AND SAFETY TRAINING" for Boat Drivers and Crew in Calabar, Cross River State.

A total of Twenty-Eight (28) Boat Drivers and Crew took part in the training and are expected to deploy the knowledge acquired to their Operations, in order to promote Safe navigation on the Waterways.

The Authority affirmed its commitment to the continuous use of this workshop in engaging and training waterways users on the activities of our River Channels.

13/02/2026

In continuation of the "One man One Jacket" campaign, The Lokoja Area office of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) carried out a sensitization campaign in Idah Local Government Area of Kogi state.

The campaign which was also delivered in the local language stressed the importance of the use of life jacket when boarding a boat.

Among those in attendance were; Chief Ibrahim Hameed (the Community Leader of the Ega-Idah community), boat operators and other relevant stakeholders.

The highlight of the event was the distribution of Life Jackets to boat operators.

09/02/2026

SYSTEM INTEGRITY KEY TO NIWA's SUCCESS, SAYS OYETOLA

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, said System integrity is key to NIWA's success in its role in driving good leadership, ethical conduct, and revenue generation.

The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, made this known at a 2- day executive anti- corruption training themed: “The Art and Practice of System Integrity in Public Institutions” organized by National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in collaboration with Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC) at Frazer Suites, Abuja.

In his keynote address, Oyetola stressed that system integrity is crucial for NIWA’s success, enabling the Authority to fulfill its mandate and contribute to Nigeria’s Blue Economy agenda.

The Minister further outlined key areas for improvement, including: revenue generation, transparency, and accountability, urging NIWA to leverage technology and public-private partnerships to enhance efficiency and financial sustainability.

“System integrity is not a moral luxury; it is an economic necessity,” Oyetola stated, calling on NIWA’s Board and Management to prioritize financial sustainability and drive innovation in revenue generation.

Futhermore, the Minister observed that the partnership with ICPC aligns with the Federal Government’s preventive approach to combating corruption, adding that ethical leadership and transparent revenue systems are critical to harnessing the full economic potential of Nigeria’s Inland Waterways.

In his remarks, Barr. Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, CFR chairman Governing Board of NIWA Said the nation is on a journey of renewal and promise under a renewed hope agenda of Mr President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR that calls on all in public service to deliver better lives for the citizens through Job creation, improved infrastructure, effective public service and prodent management of public resources. He said integrity is indispensable to leadership.

Earlier, the Acting Managing Director, NIWA, Umar Yusuf Girei, said the retreat aims to strengthen NIWA’s systems and processes, promoting a culture of transparency, accountability, and performance-driven leadership.

The Acting Managing Director, emphasized the Authority’s commitment to institutional reforms, effective revenue generation, and zero tolerance for corrupt practices.

Also speaking, the Chairman, ICPC, Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN) reaffirmed its orgaization’s readiness to support public institutions through preventive mechanisms, capacity building, and integrity-driven initiatives.

The 2- day executive anti-corruption training has all Board members, Management and Area Managers in attendance.

03/02/2026

NIWA ACTING MD VISITS KOGI CERAMIC FACTORIES TO BOOST EASE OF DOING BUSINESS

The Acting Managing Director/CEO of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Alh. Umar Yusuf Girei recently visited two ceramic factories in Kogi state as part of the Authority’s effort to enhance ease of doing business in the state aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Visit aim to explore ways NIWA can support the growth of the ceramic industry in Kogi state, leveraging the state natural resources and using the Inland Waterways in Transporting their finished goods.

The Acting MD first visited BNL Ceramic and was received by Mr. Zhang Xin who represented the Managing Director of the company expressed the company’s readiness to partner with NIWA.

Addressing the Management of the company, Umar Gerei said the purpose of the visit is to know about their activities, challenges and how to partner with the company in the utilization of the Inland Waterways in conveying raw materials and finished goods.

The Acting MD also visited the West African Ceramic Company and was received by Mr. Emmanuel Oreye the representative of the Managing Director.
While addressing the Management of the company, the Ag.MD said the purpose of their visit is to seek partnership with the company as NIWA is working hard to ensure the Waterways is navigable all year round.

Responding on behalf of the company, Mr. Emmanuel Oreye appreciated the Ag.MD’s visit as the company needs NIWA’s Support in transporting their finished goods on the Waterways. “The company has been using the Waterways in Transporting raw materials thereby reducing the cost of production compared to road transportation and other challenges”.

Some Management staff who accompanied the Ag.MD were; Muazu Dan’Azumi GM (RPS), Engr. Dakio Horsfall GM (Marine), Barr. Naziru Biyankare GM (Legal), Engr. Fidelis Ejike GM (Engineering), Engr. Muhammed Dangana GM (Special Duties), Mr. Abubakar Danladi Head (Finance) and DCP Shuaibu Audu (Commander Inland Waterways Police Command).