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National Inland Waterways Authority - NIWA

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National Inland Waterways Authority - NIWA

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), established with the primary responsibility to improve and develop Nigeria’s inland waterways for navigation.

The Decree vests in NIWA the power of exclusive management, direction and control on the Nigerian inland waterways. This power is exercised on Nigeria’s 3000km navigable waterways from the Nigeria/Niger and Nigeria/Cameroon borders to the Atlantic Ocean. Nigeria is blessed with a river configuration very suitable for North-South movement of people and goods. The inland waterways of Nigeria compris

e of the main river system (Rivers Niger and Benue which form a confluence at Lokoja), creeks, lagoons, lakes and intra-coastal waters. Early merchants, missionaries and educationist took advantage of the Nigerian river system to embark on expeditions on the River Niger. Toward the development of the Nigerian inland waterways, NIWA encourages private investments on the inland waterways in pursuit of government’s policy of Public Private Programme (PPP).

30/07/2026

NIWA SENSITIZES ADAMAWA AND FCT COMMUNITIES ON SAFETY ON OUR WATERWAYS

In continuation of its safety awareness campaign across all Area offices, the National Inland Waterways Authority has carried out sensitization campaigns in Numan waterfront, Adamawa, and Abaji community in the FCT.

The Numan Campaign led by the Yola Area Manager Hajiya Nana Jika aimed at educating boat operators, passengers, community leaders and other waterways users on the importance of complying with Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations so as to reduce boat mishaps.

In her remarks, Hajiya Nana appreciated guests for honouring the invitation. She emphasized the importance of compliance with Waterways regulations.

She said the use of Life Jackets remains compulsory and overloading is also totally prohibited. She called on all stakeholders to continue partnering with NIWA in promoting a strong safety culture on Nigeria's Inland Waterways.

Similarly, the Abaji campaign led by Hajiya Aisha Eri, the Area Manager of Abuja Liaison office focused on Marine safety and Environmental protection.

Speaking at the event, Hajia Aisha thanked community members for their continued cooperation with NIWA. She assured them of the Authority’s commitment to protecting the Nation’s Inland Waterways.

The Campaign in both locations had in attendance traditional and community leaders, and stakeholder from the host communities.

28/07/2026

WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROMOTING TRANSPARANCY, ETHICAL CONDUCT AND CAPACITY BUILDING- Ag. MD

The Acting Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Malam Umar Yusuf Girei, has charged the staff of the Authority to support initiatives that enhance institutional efficiency and improve service delivery to Nigerian people.

The Ag. MD disclosed this at a One-Day Programme for the staff of the Authority with the theme: “Sensitization on Financial Offences, Expenditure Retirement, Related Compliance Infractions and Internal Control Requirements” organized by the Internal Audit Department of the Authority at the headquarters conference Hall, Lokoja.

Represented by Engr. Titus Adoga (General Manager ports and Environment) he said the sensitization aimed at strengthening financial accountability, transparency and good governance within the National Inland Waterways Authority.

“It provides an opportunity to deepen our knowledge of audit requirements, improve compliance with financial regulations, strengthen internal controls and reduce avoidable audit queries”.

He therefore, calls on every staff member to play his/her role in ensuring that NIWA financial and operational activities can withstand the highest level of scrutiny.

Earlier, in his welcome address Mr. Japhet Ibrahim Maisaje (General Manager Audit) advised staff members to protect public resources at their disposal and also ensure that every transaction withstands a test of scrutiny by internal and external oversight institutions.

He added that, “compliance with financial regulation should not be seen as a burden but as a professional obligation that safeguards both the individual officer and the institution”. There were presentations on financial prudence and also questions and answers sessions.

27/07/2026

NIWA TO COLLABORATE WITH NAEC ON THE ADVANCEMENT OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN NIGERIA.

The Acting Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Umar Yusuf Girei, has assured the Authority's readiness to partner with the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) on the advancement of a nuclear power plant in Nigeria.

The Acting MD disclosed this when the Management paid him courtesy visit in NIWA's Abuja, Liaison office.

He said, as the agency saddled with the responsibility of regulating and developing Nigeria Inland Waterways, NIWA is strategically positioned to play a critical role in the Federal Government’s quest for sustainable energy through the new technology.

He assured the NAEC Management of NIWA's full support for the success of Nuclear Energy power plant in the country.

Earlier in his speech, the Chairman/CEO, of Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission Engr.Dr. Anthony Godwin Ekedegwa solicited the support of NIWA in achieving the numerous advantages of using nuclear energy technology in the country

He further stated that the collaboration of critical stakeholders in Nigeria will position the country well in developing and maintaining its own Nuclear Power Plant.

He said, Nigeria intends to begin the generation of electricity from Nuclear sources instead of our fossil based power plant and the hydro-based power plant.

Engr. Anthony said, for Nigeria to develop there is a need for the country to diversify it's energy needs.

Some of the Management staff in attendance were; Engr. Dakio Horsefall (GM Marine), Barr. Nasiru Byankare (GM Legal), Engr. Titus Adoga (GM Ports & Environment), Ibrahim Sade (GM procurement) Muazu Dan'azumi (GM RPS), Abubakar Umar Danladi (Ag. GM Finance) and Suleiman Makama (AGM Corporate Affairs)

26/07/2026

NIWA MANAGEMENT VISITS ODODO, SECURES COMMITMENT FOR INLAND WATERWAYS DEVELOPMENT IN KOGi STATE

Kogi state Executive Governor His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has assured the Management of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) of his administration's unwavering commitment to strengthen collaboration to enhance water safety and boost Inland transport in the state and country at large.

The Governor gave the assurance when the Management of NIWA ably led by the Chairman Board of Directors His Excellency, Barr. Mukhtari Shehu Shagari CFR at his official residence.

Governor Ododo Said his government will immediately set up a committee to work with NIWA to produce a road map for sustainable development of Inland Waterways in kogi state.

He said the roadmap will focus on the development of jetties in rural communities and creating Jobs for the youths.

He thanked the Management of NIWA for the visit and looked forward to a sustainable future development of the Inland Waterways in the country.

Responding, the chairman Board of Directors of NIWA His Excellency, Barr. Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, CFR, Said "Kogi state is uniquely blessed with strategic waterways that, if properly developed, can contribute significantly to the prosperity of the state and the nation at large.

In line with the Blue Economy agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, NIWA remains committed to working closely with your administration to unlock the full potential of these waterways".

According to the Board chairman NIWA will therefore seek the collaboration and support of Kogi state in the development and rehabilitation of jetties and landing sites, dredging and maintenance of navigable channels, promotion of safe water transportation, enhancement of waterways security and safety.

He assured the Governor of the Authority’s readiness to partner with the Kogi state government in ensuring that Inland Waterways in kogi state become a major driver of sustainable development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and Blue Economy Vision of the federal government.

Some Management staff present at the visit were; Umar Yusuf Girei Acting Managing Director/ CEO NIWA, Abdullahi Dabai, GM Human Resources and Administration, Ibrahim Sade GM (Procurement), Mr. Japhet Maisaje GM (Audit), Muazu Dan'azumi GM (Planning Research and Statistics), Engr. Fidelis Ejike GM (Engineering) Engr. Titus Adoga GM (Ports and Environment), Abubakar Danladi Umar Ag.GM (Finance and Account) and Suleiman Makama, AGM (Corporate Affairs).

22/07/2026

NIWA, NSIB STRENGTHEN COLLABORATION TO ENHANCE SAFETY ON INLAND WATERWAYS

The Acting Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Malam Umar Yusuf Girei, said the Authority is committed to closely working with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to improve safety and reduce the incidence of boat mishaps across Nigeria's Inland Waterways.

Girei made the pledge when he received the Director General of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) on a courtesy visit at the NIWA Headquarters in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The NIWA Acting MD stressed the importance of collaboration, information sharing, and joint operational efforts between both agencies in addressing the persistent challenge of boat accidents on the nation's waterways. He noted that effective cooperation among relevant stakeholders remains essential to ensuring safer navigation and protecting lives and properties.

According to him, NIWA is dedicated to strengthening partnerships with Agencies to improve safety standards and enforce regulations for safer water transportation in Nigeria.

He further assured the NSIB delegation of NIWA's readiness to share relevant information, technical expertise, and operational support to facilitate timely investigations into marine incidents and develop preventive measures aimed at reducing future occurrences.

Earlier, the DG of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Captain Alex Sabundu Badeh jnr stated that, the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between both agencies and exploring areas of collaboration in accident investigation, data sharing, and safety promotion among others.

The DG therefore, presented the activities and achievements of the Agency in safety investigations across Air, water, Rail and other subsector in the country.

Suleiman Makama
AGM Corporate Affairs
22/7/2026

17/07/2026

How to wear a Life Jacket.

06/07/2026

Chairman NIWA Board of Directors Barr. Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, CFR, Umar Yusuf Girei, Ag. Managing Director of NIWA, Engr Dakio Horsfall GM (Marine) and some staff of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Conference in London.

15/06/2026

The role of the National Inland Waterways Authority in unlocking the potentials of our Inland Waterways.

05/06/2026

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY, NIWA REAFFIRMS CLEAN WATERWAYS - GIREI

The Acting Managing Director/CEO National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Umar yusuf Girei has joined the global community in celebrating the 2026 world environment day with the theme: Urbanisation and climate change: building resilient cities for a sustainable future.

In a special message at the headquarters in Lokoja, the Acting Managing extends his warm greetings to every city across Nigeria. He said our cities are expanding rapidly on our waterways and becoming hubs of commerce, culture and opportunity.
But Urbanisation comes with with pressure, rising temperature, flooding and erosion.

At NIWA, we recognise that inland waterways are natural infrastructure for resilience. Well managed rivers and waterways reduced urban flooding by providing drainage corridors and offer low carbon alternative for the movement of goods and people.

The Ag MD further stated we dredge responsibly, protect our river banks and keep our waterways free from waste.
He said the government cannot do this alone but every Nigerian should dispose of waste properly, plant trees along the banks, report illegal dredging and encroachment.

He advised Nigerians to also choose water transport and an alternative mode of transportation in the country.

Suleiman Makama
AGM (Corporate Affairs)

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.

Address

Aliyu Obaje Road, Via Hydro Junction, Adankolo
Lokoja
PMB1004

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00

Website

https://niwa.gov.ng/

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