NIWA Assures Boat Operators Of Action On Safety Equipment Shortage

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has assured boat operators that it is addressing concerns over the shortage of safety equipment on Nigeria’s inland waterways, following calls by operators for urgent intervention.

The assurance came during a courtesy visit by the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) to the NIWA Abuja Area/Liaison Office.

Speaking during the visit, ATBOWATON National President, Dr. Gani Tarzan Balogun, described the shortage of life jackets as one of the most critical challenges confronting inland water transport operations. He urged NIWA to prioritise the provision of adequate safety equipment, stressing that sufficient life jackets are essential for protecting passengers and crew.

Balogun also called for improved navigability of the nation’s inland waterways, noting that a more efficient water transport system would reduce pressure on the country’s road network by providing a safer and more reliable alternative for commuters and cargo movement.

He commended NIWA for its continued support to boat operators across the country, particularly its commitment to enhancing safety standards on the waterways, which he said has yielded positive results in the Southwest.

Responding, NIWA’s Acting Managing Director, Umar Girei, thanked the association for the visit and assured members that the authority had already begun addressing many of the issues raised.

According to him, several interventions were already underway before the operators’ visit, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to improving safety and operational efficiency across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Also speaking, the Area Manager of the NIWA Abuja Area/Liaison Office, Aisha Eri, welcomed the engagement and encouraged ATBOWATON members to leverage their experience in supporting the development of water transportation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

She expressed confidence that closer collaboration between NIWA and boat operators would contribute to strengthening the country’s inland water transport system while promoting safer navigation.