To enhance the safety and efficiency of travel on inland waterways, the federal government has strengthened its safety protocols by deploying an expanded team of water marshals to critical locations nationwide. Over the past four months, the personnel number has increased from 80 to 350, reflecting a strategic response to minimise waterway accidents and improve overall security. During a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, revealed this initiative aimed at improving safety and tackling increasing Insecurity on inland waterways. Oyetola emphasised the government’s dedication to enhancing these safety protocols, pointing to recent progress and future initiatives to advance the sector.
These initiatives, contained within the recently published Transportation Code, 2023, seek to implement enhanced safety protocols for maritime operations. The authorities have instructed water marshals to monitor major jetties and loading zones throughout the nation’s Waterways 24 hours. This Legislation emphasises the need to register all vessel operators, control the maximum number of goods and passengers, and oversee nighttime navigation. In his address to the stakeholders, Oyetola expressed the ministry’s compassion for individuals who have experienced the loss of family members in waterway incidents, stressing that the government’s efforts demonstrate a real commitment to preventing additional tragedies.
NIWA enhanced seven search-and-rescue centres to improve safety.
In addition to its workforce, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), under the leadership of Bola Oyebamiji, is implementing various infrastructural enhancements to improve navigation on waterways. Seven search-and-rescue centres are being upgraded nationwide, with future enhancement plans in the works. Moreover, the ministry has just launched 15 boats of different sizes to strengthen law enforcement and emergency response efforts. Oyebamiji emphasised the importance of safety marshals, noting that many boat operators and drivers have been trained in safety measures just this year.
Additionally, they participate in public awareness initiatives that cover more than 25 states, utilising materials and campaigns in local languages to engage a diverse audience. Oyebamiji commended the leadership of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for its commitment to tackling issues related to waterways, stating recent initiatives as crucial advancements toward ensuring a safer and more user-friendly system for every citizen. Alongside adding marshals and enhancements to emergency response capabilities, NIWA has improved Infrastructure to ensure secure and efficient water transportation. Hundreds of navigational buoys have been relocated to indicate waterways, and jetties and mooring facilities have been upgraded for more seamless operations.
Oyebamiji urges the government to strengthen collaborative partnerships.
Nonetheless, Oyebamiji pointed out that even with these improvements, state governments still need to increase partnerships to improve the Security and efficiency of inland waterways. He urged state officials to contribute to constructing additional jetties, supply standard boats, and sustain operator training efforts. The meeting acted as a cohesive venue for influential figures in the maritime sector to exchange knowledge and reinforce their dedication to enhancing safety in water transport. In conjunction with this comprehensive approach, the government is also focused on eliminating navigational barriers that may impede secure transit, striving to position water transport as a financially feasible substitute for road transport.
According to Oyebamiji, waterways hold untapped potential for transporting passengers and goods faster and cheaper than other forms of transport. With continued government and state cooperation, waterways can become a primary channel for economic mobility, addressing congestion on Nigerian roads and opening up new economic opportunities. Despite this, these initiatives aim to develop inland water transport into a dependable foundation for Logistics and passenger transit. NIWA has enhanced its regulatory power over the nation’s inland waterways, solidified by a recent Supreme Court ruling.
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Furthermore, Oyebamiji stressed that collaboration from state governments is crucial for achieving sustainable success. The partnership between national and state agencies is anticipated to support NIWA’s mission to improve safety, implement regulations, and promote Economic Development in the inland waterways industry. With ongoing collaboration between state and federal agencies, the country is progressing towards establishing a robust and well-managed waterway system, which will serve as a fundamental element for secure, effective, and sustainable transportation nationwide.