NIWA Reaffirms Commitment To Safer Waterways, Maritime Excellence
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has reiterated its commitment to improving waterway safety, strengthening infrastructure and promoting sustainable economic growth in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Yusuf Girei, made this known in his goodwill message during the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration, where he congratulated stakeholders and commended their contributions to the development of the country’s maritime industry.
The celebration, held under the theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Excellence,” brought together the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood; the chairperson and keynote speaker, Mrs. Mfon Usoro; heads of departments, chief executives of agencies under the ministry, members of the diplomatic corps and other industry stakeholders.
Girei noted that policies could only deliver meaningful benefits when effectively implemented, stressing that the maritime sector required practical measures to ensure safer navigation, reliable infrastructure, environmental protection and efficient services that support trade and economic development.
He said NIWA remained committed to collaborating with state governments, industry operators, host communities and development partners to improve navigation, strengthen safety standards, modernise facilities and protect waterways that support the livelihoods of many Nigerians.
According to him, achieving excellence in the sector requires skilled professionals, effective regulation, investment in innovation and a strong commitment to safety and environmental sustainability.
The NIWA acting managing director further emphasised the importance of collective action in building a competitive, inclusive and future-ready maritime industry.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the ministry’s permanent secretary and other stakeholders for their contributions to the growth of the sector, urging them to translate shared commitments into tangible results.
A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of awards to winners of the primary school category of the essay competition sponsored by NIWA.
Idris Jibril Oladimeji of Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos, emerged first-place winner, receiving N200,000 and a laptop computer.
Suleiman Aisha of St. Paul’s Anglican School, Lagos Island, came second and received N150,000 and a laptop, while Yahaya Aliyah of St. Mathias Girls Primary School, Lagos, placed third, winning N100,000 and a laptop computer.
The competition formed part of the activities marking the celebration, highlighting the importance of encouraging young Nigerians to engage with issues affecting the maritime industry.
Girei, on behalf of NIWA’s Board, Management and staff, wished stakeholders a successful World Maritime Day celebration and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to advancing safety, infrastructure development and operational excellence across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
