World Maritime Day: NIWA backs safer waterways, awards pupils in essay competition

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has reaffirmed its commitment to safer waterways, improved navigation and sustainable maritime development, while rewarding outstanding primary school pupils in an essay competition to mark the 2026 World Maritime Day.

The Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Yusuf Girei, gave the assurance in his goodwill message at the celebration, themed “From Policy to Practice: Powering Excellence.”

Girei said the theme highlighted the need to translate maritime policies into practical actions that would improve waterway safety, strengthen infrastructure, protect the environment and promote economic growth.

Girei

“This year’s theme reminds us that strong policies create value only when they are translated into meaningful action. In the maritime sector, that means safer waterways, reliable infrastructure, environmental stewardship and services that support trade and economic growth,” he said.

He explained that NIWA would continue to collaborate with state governments, industry stakeholders, host communities and development partners to improve navigation, strengthen safety standards, modernise facilities and protect waterways that support livelihoods across the country.

According to him, achieving excellence in the maritime sector requires skilled professionals, effective regulation, investment in innovation and a strong commitment to safety and sustainability.

“By working together, we can build a maritime sector that is competitive, inclusive and prepared for the future,” Girei added.

He commended President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Fatima Sugra Mahmood, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

The NIWA chief urged stakeholders to turn the objectives of the celebration into concrete results that would strengthen the sector and improve services across the country’s inland waterways.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes to winners of the primary school category of the essay competition sponsored by NIWA.

Idris Jibril Oladimeji of Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos, emerged first and received ₦200,000 and a laptop computer.

Suleiman Aisha of St. Paul’s Anglican School, Lagos Island, came second, winning ₦150,000 and a laptop, while Yahaya Aliyah of St. Mathias Girls Primary School, Lagos, placed third and received ₦100,000 and a laptop.

The initiative provided an opportunity to recognise young pupils while promoting awareness and interest in the maritime sector among schoolchildren.

The celebration was attended by Oyetola, Mahmood, the chairperson and keynote speaker, Mrs Mfon Usoro, directors and heads of departments, chief executives of agencies under the ministry, members of the diplomatic corps, industry stakeholders and media representatives.

Girei, on behalf of NIWA’s board, management and staff, congratulated stakeholders on the occasion and expressed optimism about stronger collaboration towards safer waterways and a more competitive maritime industry.