Adhere To Waterway Safety Regulations, NIWA Urges Niger Communities 

The Management of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has called on riverine communities in Niger State to adhere strictly to waterways regulations to enhance safety on waterways

The authority also said such adherece would prevent boat mishaps and ensure safety of lives and property

NIWA’s Area Manager in Niger and Kwara states, Mr. Akapo Adeboye, made this call during a sensitisation campaign at Zumba market in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State.

Adeboye explained that the campaign was organised for boat operators and passengers in anticipation of rising water levels due to predicted heavy rainfall forecast by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

He said the sensitisation is aimed at enhancing safety on Nigerian’s waterways, protect lives and livelihoods of Nigerians who rely on inland waterways for transportation.

 Adeboye added that the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives of Nigerians.

“The reason behind organising the 2025 sensitisation campaigns on safety of lives and property on inland waterways regulations is to ensure compliance and reduce accidents.

“We urge everyone to take safety seriously and comply with the regulations to avoid accidents occasioned by boat mishaps”, he said.

He attributed the significant reduction in water mishaps in Niger over the past year to sustained sensitisation and enforcement of water transport regulatory measures across all water fronts in the state.

He appealed to residents to adhere to safety measures and regulations to reduce boat accidents, adding that the agency would not tolerate disregard for water transport regulations, especially the use of life jackets.

Adeboye commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, and the Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamij, for their commitment to ensuring safety on inland waterways.

 Chairman of the Boat Owners and Freshwater Users Association in Shiroro, Alhaji Aliyu Yerima, described the sensitisation campaign and donation of life jackets to operators as timely.

He noted that it would safeguard the lives and properties of rural farmers and enhance waterway safety.

The 2025 campaign is tagged “Safety and Safety Trip: Zero Tolerance to Boat Mishap, No Life Jacket, No Boarding”.

Highlight of the sensiststaion was inauguration of waterways marshals at the Zumba waterfront to enforce water transport regulatory measures.