NIWA pledges fleet overhaul, jetty upgrades as board begins nationwide assessment
The National Inland Waterways Authority has pledged to replace ageing passenger boats and rehabilitate crumbling infrastructure across the country, with the governing board vowing to make safety and efficiency its top priorities.
Board chairman Mukhtar Shehu Shagari made the commitment Tuesday during an inspection of NIWA's Lagos operations, the board's first official visit since its inauguration.
Shagari said the board's initial move was to order a comprehensive audit of all NIWA facilities, with rehabilitation work planned for dilapidated offices and jetties, alongside expansion of key water transport hubs.
"We have set aside funds in our budget to tackle infrastructure deficits nationwide," he said. "Our goal is to make every NIWA facility functional, decent, and fit for purpose."
He also revealed plans to build more jetties, particularly in Lagos, to keep pace with surging demand for water travel.
On financing, Shagari said NIWA would continue to seek government support while also working to grow its internally generated revenue through partnerships and improved stakeholder engagement.
The board is equally focused on enforcement. Shagari said NIWA is teaming up with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to regulate unapproved jetties and enforce safety rules.
He expressed alarm at the number of decrepit passenger boats still plying Nigerian waterways, calling many of them unfit for service.
"Phasing out unsafe vessels is non-negotiable. We will replace them with modern, safer alternatives. The safety of every Nigerian on our waterways comes first," he said.
NIWA is considering the purchase of new fibre boats and intends to work with local boat builders to raise standards across the sector.
Shagari also made the economic argument: safer waterways mean cheaper transport, less road congestion, and smoother goods movement. He invited private investors to participate in dredging, infrastructure, and ferry services, insisting that sustained progress depends on broad collaboration.
Managing Director Yusuf Gerie said the board's visit offered members a real-world view of Lagos operations and would guide decisions on improving performance nationwide. He thanked President Tinubu and Marine Minister Adegboyega Oyetola for assembling a strong team to lead NIWA's turnaround.
Lagos Area Manager Sarat Braimah welcomed the board, calling Lagos the country's busiest waterway corridor and reaffirming her office's focus on safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
Board member Tajudeen Alao urged operators, investors, and regulators to work together, stressing that safety and sustainability require joint effort from all players.