NIWA Intensifies Water Safety Campaign In Abuja Communities
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has intensified its marine safety and environmental protection campaign across waterfront communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as the rainy season brings rising water levels and increased environmental risks.
The campaign, held in Abaji Area Council by the NIWA Abuja Area/Liaison Office, focused on promoting safe navigation practices and environmental stewardship among residents living along inland waterways.
According to NIWA, the sensitisation exercise aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing waterway accidents and improving safety in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and existing federal regulations governing inland water transport.
Speaking during the exercise, the Abuja Area Manager, Aisha Eri, commended the host communities for their cooperation and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s inland waterways as well as protecting the lives and livelihoods of people who depend on them.
The Emir of Kwali, Alhaji Adamu Aguma, praised NIWA for the initiative and pledged the community’s support in ensuring compliance with safety regulations aimed at preventing waterway accidents.
Other traditional leaders and district heads present at the event also expressed appreciation for the awareness campaign and assured NIWA of their commitment to implementing the safety measures shared during the sensitisation.
NIWA stated that the exercise forms part of a nationwide directive by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, mandating regular engagement with littoral communities to improve water transport safety and environmental protection.
The agency added that its Acting Managing Director, Alhaji Umar Girei, has directed all area offices nationwide to prioritise the campaign, with the Abuja Area Office expected to extend the exercise to other waterfront communities within and around the FCT in the coming weeks.
