Oyetola’s waterways safety directive gains momentum as NIWA reaches FCT communities

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Federal Government’s renewed drive to eliminate boat accidents and strengthen safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways gathered further momentum on Wednesday as the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) extended its waterways safety and environmental protection campaign to riverine communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Abuja.

Gboyega

The sensitisation programme, organised by the NIWA Abuja Area/Liaison Office at Abaji Area Council, forms part of a nationwide initiative directed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to promote safer navigation and reduce recurring boat mishaps across the country’s inland waterways, particularly during the peak of the rainy season.

With rising water levels and increased pollution heightening the risks of accidents, NIWA said the campaign seeks to educate waterfront communities on safe boating practices, environmental protection and compliance with established waterways regulations.

Speaking during the exercise, the Area Manager of the NIWA Abuja Area Office, Hajia Aisha Eri, thanked the host communities for their cooperation and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to protecting lives, preserving the nation’s inland waterways and supporting the livelihoods of communities that depend on water transportation.

She explained that the enlightenment programme aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reinforces the administration’s zero-tolerance policy against waterways transportation accidents and safety infractions.

“The safety of lives on our waterways remains a top priority. Continuous public sensitisation and community participation are critical to preventing avoidable accidents and ensuring responsible use of our inland waterways,” she said.

Traditional rulers across the area welcomed the initiative and pledged to support the enforcement of safety measures within their communities.

Area Manager, Aisha Eric and  Traditional Rulers during the visit

The Emir of Kwali, HRH Alhaji Adamu Saba Aguma, commended NIWA for bringing the campaign directly to riverine communities, describing the exercise as timely and necessary in view of the increased dangers associated with the rainy season.

He assured the Authority of the community’s commitment to safeguarding the waterways and ensuring strict compliance with safety regulations.

Other traditional leaders, including the District Head of Kundu, John Dogole; Sarkin Tungbufu, Mohammed Yusuf; Sarkin Nassarawa, Ayahaya Nassarawa; Sarkin Kutara, Musa Wabai; Sarkin Kwago and Padama, Musa Alanana; and Sarkin Kwakwa, Abdullahi Kwakwa, also applauded the awareness campaign and pledged to mobilise residents to embrace the safety guidelines.

Girei

The nationwide campaign follows a directive by the Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, instructing all Area Offices to prioritise regular engagement with littoral communities as part of efforts to improve safety standards and reduce boat accidents nationwide.

The Abuja Area Office is expected to extend the sensitisation exercise to other waterfront communities across the FCT and adjoining areas in the coming days.

The initiative comes amid intensified efforts by NIWA to improve inland waterways safety through sustained public education, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, stakeholder collaboration and environmental protection measures.

The Authority has repeatedly urged boat operators and passengers to comply with safety rules, including the compulsory use of life jackets, avoidance of overloading and adherence to approved navigation practices, especially during the rainy season when waterways become more hazardous.