National Inland Waterways Authority - NIWA

01/06/2026

NIWA ORGANIZES ONE DAY SENSITIZATION CAMPAIGN IN WARRI

In continuation of the 2026 Safety sensitization campaign, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) through its Warri Area office embarked on an enlightenment campaign with the theme: “No Life Jacket, No Sailing” at the NPA waterside in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta state.

In his address, Engr. Rufus Oladimeji, the NIWA Area Manager Warri stated that the mandate of the Authority is to ensure safe navigation of goods and passengers on our waterways. Hence, the new order which is “No Life Jacket, No Sailing” will be enforced.

“We are here today at NPA waterside Warri with one clear message that will guide all our operations going forward: No Life Jacket, No Sailing” he stated.

In his remarks, Mr. Paul Wilikie, the chairman NPA Boat owners Association reaffirmed the commitment of his members to strict compliance to safety protocols as stated by the Authority.

In attendance are representatives of the Nigerian Police Force, the NDLEA, Traditional and community leaders, water transport union, Boat operators and other relevant stake holders.

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

28/05/2026

NIWA ACTING MD URGES CALM OVER SUPREME COURT RULING

The Acting Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Malam Umar Yusuf Girei, has called on stakeholders and clients of the Authority to remain calm and not panic over the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning aspects of the NIWA Act.

In a press statement signed by the Acting MD at the Authority's Headquarters in Lokoja.

Girei clarified that, Supreme Court upheld the Authority’s statutory responsibilities relating to inland waterways navigation, safety regulation, channel management, river infrastructure development, and the promotion of inland waterways transportation as provided under Sections 10 and 11 of the NIWA Act.

He explained that the apex court only voided Sections 12 and 13 of the Act to the extent that they relate to land matters unrelated to maritime activities and where such provisions are inconsistent with the Constitution.

He said, the judgment does not affect NIWA’s core mandate of ensuring safe and efficient inland waterways transportation across the country.

The Acting MD therefore urged stakeholders, operators, and members of the public to remain law-abiding and avoid unnecessary anxiety over the court decision.

He further stated that the Authority would issue an official statement after obtaining and studying the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment from the Supreme Court.

26/05/2026

NIWA ACTING MD TASKS BOAT OPERATORS ON WATERWAYS SAFETY DURING THE EID CELEBRATIONS.

The Acting Managing Director/CEO of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Umar yusuf Girei has issued a Stern warning to Inland Waterways boat operators nationwide to comply strictly with safety guidelines as Muslim faithfuls prepare to celebrate the Eid-el Kabir.

The Acting MD disclosed this in an exclusive interview with the media in his office at NIWA headquarters, Lokoja.

Mr Girei said festival periods usually record a surge in water transport, especially in the reverine communities making adherence to safety on the waterways non- negotiable.

"No overload, wearing of a life jacket is mandatory,no night travel, no alcohol and ensure weather checks."
He further stated that NIWA enforcement teams in collaboration with other security agencies across jetties will be deployed to ensure compliance.

Defaulters Will face arrest, seizure of vessels and prosecution.

The Ag MD also urged passengers to reject any boat that is overloaded, lacks life jackets or attempts to travel at night.

Mr Umar Yusuf Girei extends Eld-el Kabir greetings to the Muslims and appealed to the community and religious leaders to help amplify the safety message during sermons and gatherings.

Suleiman Makama
AGM (Corporate Affairs)

22/05/2026

The National Inland waterways Authority (NIWA) received the permanent secretary Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy Mrs Fatima Sugra Tabi'a FSM, MCIPM at its Exhibition Stand during the International Civil Service Conference 2026 with the theme: Reforms, Resilience and Results at Eagle Square FCT- Abuja.

The visit underscores the ministry's support for NIWA's Mandate and highlighted the importance of the maritime sector in driving national development.
As a gesture of appreciation the NIWA delegation presented the permanent secretary with specially curated souvenirs symbolising the Authority's Commitment to the growth of the Blue Economy.

20/05/2026

NIWA at the International Civil Service Conference 2026, Eagle Square, Abuja with the Theme: Reforms, Resilience and Results.

16/05/2026

In move to unlock the Nigerian vast Inland Waterways potentials, Senator Natasha H. Akpoti - Uduaguan and His Excellency Pieter Leenknegt, Ambassador of the kingdom of Belgium to Nigeria toured the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Dockyard to assess opportunities in waterways Tourism.

The team was received by Engr. Titus Adoga GM (Ports and Environment) who represented the acting Managing Director.

The Lokoja Area office Manager Engr. Bode komolafe was on hand as the tour guide.

01/05/2026

HAPPY WORKERS' DAY

30/04/2026

SAFETY IS A COLLECTIVE OBLIGATION - ONUOHA

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Calabar Area Manager, Dr. Stanley Onuoha made this known at a first quarter sensitization campaign in Henshaw Town Beach, Calabar.

He stressed the importance of adherence to all safety protocols before and during boarding which includes; compulsory use of Life Jackets, no overloading, the ban on night sailing (from 6pm to 6am) and so on.

He said most incidents on the waterways are avoidable which are caused due to disregard for safety standards, stressing that “safety is not the duty of the Authority alone, but a collective obligation.”

Onouha said the Authority will intensify the monitoring and enforcement of these safety protocols in collaboration with security agencies but noted that public cooperation was essential.

The highlight of the campaign was the distribution of
life jackets and the appointment of 10 community leaders as safety ambassadors to drive the campaign at the grassroots.

28/04/2026

NIWA PRIORITIZES STAFF SAFETY AT WORK- UMAR YUSUF GEREI

The Acting Managing Director/CEO of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Umar yusuf Girei Said the Authority prioritizes staff safety to improve their working environment.

In a paper he delivered titled “Good psycho- social working environment: A pathway to thriving workers and strong organization” to Mark the world safety day on the 28 April 2026 at the Authority's conference Hall, Lokoja, kogi state.

The Ag. MD disclosed that management prioritized the provision of new offices and rehabilitation of old ones at the headquarters and selected area offices. "We have provided a well-equipped staff clinic and ensured access to potable water and proper sanitation at the headquarters, Lokoja and some selected Area offices". He said through partnership with relevant sister agencies such as the federal medical center Lokoja, periodic mental health talks are being organised to the benefit of the staff. " We have also implemented flexible work arrangements for nursing mothers in line with the existing circular from the office of the Head of service " According to the Ag MD all categories of staff have enjoyed trainings in emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and work place stress management in Turkey and Rwanda.

This year’s event had in attendance key stakeholders, including the Representatives of the Nigerian Navy (NNS) Lugard, Hydroelectric power producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), Kogi state ministry of Transportation, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Suleiman Makama
AGM (Corporate Affairs)

05/04/2026