Maritime

NIWA Presents Life Jackets To Boat Operators In Rivers

Published

12 years ago

November 28, 2014

The National Inland Water
ways Authority (NIWA) has donated life Jackets and other materials to boat operators in Rivers State.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony and safety Awareness Campaign held at the NIWA Dockyard, Marine Base, Port Harcourt on Wednesday the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Hajiya Inna Maryam Ciroma, said the gesture was to help educate stakeholders on how to keep the waterways safe at all times.
Ciroma hinted that the Authority would soon come out with an internationally acceptable safety codes that would establish offices and penalties on using the inland waterways.
She disclosed that relevant stakeholders were recently invited to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on a seminar to deliberate and suggest the way forward towards realizing the objectives of a safety code on the waterways, adding that no state government has right to control the inland waterways as it is the exclusive right of NIWA, mandated by the Federal Government.
It is very important to let all our stakeholders know that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) was created via Decree No 13 of 1997 now CAP 47 of the National Assembly Laws”, she said, pointing out that they are mandated to improve and develop inland waterways navigation for the nation, provide an alternative made of transport for evacuation of economic goods and persons across the nation as well as provide regulations for the Inland waterways sub-sector and also ensure the development of infrastructure facilities for the inland waterways including carrying out the dredging of the Nation’s Rivers for effective navigation, among others.
The Managing Director also reiterated that NIWA had the mandate of the Federal Government to register all boats and ferries and warned all those impersonating into the rights of NIWA to desist forthwith citing a recent court judgement in Lagos.
She enjoined all stakeholders to adhere to the marine safety rules and always wear life jacket before boarding a boat, ferry and excess passengers, any locally made boats above ten years to be replaced and only trained and certified captains should operate boats and terries.
The standard regulations allow ferries to move from 6am -6pm. It is dangerous to travel after 6pm, consumption of alcohol before and during boat ride is prohibited and should be avoided All Passengers and not only the captains must be safety conscious and alert, All ferries, boats and canoes should be registered with NIWA Area Office in Port Harcourt, and stakeholders on the waterways should not hesitate to bring their complaints or observations to the Area Office of NIWA in Port Harcourt and finally, boat operators should avoid over – Speeding, if our boat operators can adhere strictly to these Ten commandments, there will be sharp decline in boat mishaps in Rivers State, Ciroma posited.
In his speech, the State chairman of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Jonah Jombo, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Comrade Godwin Dominic expressed appreciation to NIWA for the gesture to make its members safety conscious and called on NIWA to make it an annual event.
Jumbo said MWUN is ready to associate with the Authority and charged them on rapid response on piracy by providing gun boats to patrol the waterways, and assured that members would make use of the life Jackets Judiciously as well as adhere to the safety awareness tips by NIWA.
Stakeholders from all walks of the life graced the occasion.

Collins Barasimeye

Managing Director, NIWA, Hajiya Tina Maryam Ciroma (right) presenting safety jackets to the Vice Chairman, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Rivers State Council, Comrade, Godwin Dominic, during the 2014 NIWA Safety Awareness Campaign at Port Harcourt NIWA Dockyard, Marine Base last Wednesday. With her is NIWA General Manager, Corproate Affairs, Mr, Tayo Fadile. Photo: Nwiueh Donatus Ken

Maritime

NAGAFF Petitions IGP Over Alleged Maritime Police Harassment

Published

3 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu over alleged unlawful conduct, extortion, intimidation, harassment and obstruction of trade by officers of the Maritime Police Command operating around Nigerian seaports.

The petition, dated August 14, 2026 and addressed to the Inspector-General of Police at Force Headquarters, Abuja, specifically identified the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa; Tincan Island Port; and other designated port locations, including bonded terminals, as areas where the alleged misconduct is taking place.

The petition was signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, National Coordinator, 100% Compliance Team, NAGAFF.

NAGAFF described the situation as a growing impediment to trade facilitation and a factor contributing to the rising cost of doing business in Nigeria.

According to the association, freight forwarding practitioners have, over a sustained period, reported and independently observed what it described as a pattern of misconduct involving Maritime Police personnel around the nation’s seaports.

The petition alleged that officers issue container blockage letters to shipping lines and terminals through the Nigeria Shippers’ Council, allegedly demanding payments before release orders are subsequently issued.

It further listed alleged practices including extortion, described as demanding and receiving money or other documents from freight forwarders, drivers and agents as a condition for the release or unhindered passage of cargo.

The association also alleged intimidation and harassment, including verbal abuse, threats, unlawful arrest and detention, seizure of documents and, in some instances, physical assault.

NAGAFF said such activities could obstruct trade facilitation by causing avoidable delays, port congestion and disruption of supply chains, contrary to the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business reforms.

It also argued that the alleged unofficial payments and additional charges ultimately increase the cost of doing business, with the burden transferred to importers, exporters and consumers.

In its petition, NAGAFF cited several laws and regulatory instruments which it said underscore the need for clearly defined roles and lawful conduct within the port environment.

The association referenced Sections 4 and 5 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, the Nigerian Ports Authority Act and the Customs Service Act 2023.

It also cited the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business Executive Orders and National Action Plan on Business Environment Reforms, as well as constitutional provisions relating to dignity, personal liberty and freedom from discrimination and unlawful obstruction in the conduct of lawful business.

NAGAFF warned that the alleged activities could undermine Nigeria’s trade competitiveness, discourage investment in the maritime and logistics sectors and weaken public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

The association further argued that the alleged conduct was inconsistent with Nigeria’s commitments under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement.

The freight forwarders’ body requested the Inspector-General of Police to order an immediate investigation into the allegations and direct the cessation of what it described as unlawful container blockage, extortion, intimidation and harassment by Maritime Police officers at the affected ports.

It also called for the constitution of a joint task force comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and NAGAFF to monitor and enforce compliance with lawful conduct at the ports.

The association further requested that any officers found culpable after investigation be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action and, where warranted, criminal proceedings in accordance with applicable Police Force regulations and the laws of the Federation.

NAGAFF also asked the police authorities to issue clear guidelines on the lawful scope of Maritime Police engagement at seaports and grant the petitioners an opportunity to be heard with further evidence in support of the petition.

Additionally, it called for a clear distinction between the functions and jurisdictional boundaries of the Maritime Police and the Commissioner of Police, Ports.

The association stressed that it was not opposed to legitimate police operations at the nation’s ports, but insisted that such operations must remain within the law and should not turn legitimate cargo clearance processes into avenues for unlawful financial gains.

“We are not opposed to legitimate police operations at the ports. We only demand that such operations be conducted strictly within the purview of our extant laws, without turning legitimate cargo clearance into an avenue for unlawful financial gains,” the association stated in the petition.

NAGAFF said it remained willing to provide further particulars, documentary evidence and witness accounts to assist any investigation arising from the petition.

Maritime

Marine Minister Commends President Tinubu On NPERA Bill Assent

Published

3 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assenting to the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill, 2026, describing the development as a major milestone in the ongoing reform of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Oyetola said the presidential assent to the legislation would pave the way for the establishment of a dedicated, robust and independent economic regulator for the nation’s ports, capable of promoting transparency, efficiency and competitiveness.

In a statement posted on his official X account, the Minister expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming the maritime industry and unlocking the immense potential of the Blue Economy.

According to Oyetola, the presidential assent is a significant step towards building a globally competitive maritime economy and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.

“I thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for assenting to the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill, 2026, paving the way for a dedicated, robust and independent economic regulator for our ports,” Oyetola stated.

He explained that the legislation would provide a stronger legal basis for the regulation of tariffs, charges, competition, licensing and the resolution of commercial disputes within the port industry.

The Minister noted that the establishment of an independent economic regulator would bring greater certainty, transparency and efficiency to port operations, thereby enhancing investor confidence and improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

“This landmark legislation will strengthen the regulation of tariffs, charges, competition, licensing and commercial disputes, bringing greater certainty, transparency and efficiency to Nigeria’s port sector,” he said.

Industry stakeholders have long advocated for an independent port economic regulator to address concerns over arbitrary charges, promote fair competition among operators and ensure a more transparent and predictable business environment.

Maritime

Apapa Ports Manager Advocates Woman Involvement In MWP Bootcamp

Published

3 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Lagos Ports Complex Manager, Mr. Debo Lawal, has urged participants at the 6th annual Maritime Writes Project (MWP) Creative Writing Bootcamp to use their voices to promote Nigeria’s maritime and port sector as an industry that embraces inclusion.

Lawal, who was Special Guest of Honour at the Opening of the 2026 bootcamp at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Apapa Port, Lagos, encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity to highlight the growing participation of women in traditionally male-dominated maritime roles.

He noted that there are more than 10 female crane operators in Lagos port, alongside female tugboat pilots and numerous other women working across in the port.

According to him, the growing presence of women in operational and technical positions demonstrates that the maritime sector offers opportunities for women and should be portrayed as an inclusive industry.

Lawal formally opened the bootcamp, which brings together young writers, maritime stakeholders, academics and mentors under the theme, “Voyages Through Chokepoints: Power, Passage and Life at Sea.”

The Head of Faculty for the 2026 edition and Dean, Faculty of Arts, Adeleke University, Prof. Adegbite Tobalase, urged participants to use the bootcamp to develop their individual voices and understand the discipline required to produce original works.

“We welcome you not merely to a training programme, but to a mission: to grow literary talent through maritime storytelling, and to deepen Nigeria’s maritime consciousness through the power of the written word,” he said.

In his goodwill message, the Director, International Ocean Institute-Nigeria Centre (IOI-Nigeria), Mr. Akanbi Williams, commended MWP for combining creative writing with practical exposure to the maritime sector.

The Institute, which has partnered with MWP for five years, urged participants to “observe, listen, question, learn and write,” stressing the importance of looking beyond ships, ports and waterways to the people, communities and livelihoods connected to the maritime environment.

It said storytelling could help communicate maritime knowledge to wider audiences, particularly young Nigerians, while encouraging greater understanding of the sector and the blue economy.

Earlier, the Project Coordinator, Maritime Writes Project, Ezinne Azunna, said the initiative was designed to bridge creative writing and maritime awareness by exposing young writers to the realities of the sector.

She said participants would engage with maritime professionals, facilities and communities, enabling them to develop stories grounded in authentic industry experiences.

The 2026 theme draws attention to the significance of maritime chokepoints to global trade, diplomacy, economics and human activities. Mentorship sessions and facility tours are designed to help participants develop stories based on real maritime experiences.

For returning participants, the impact of MWP extends beyond creative writing.

One of the project’s alumni, Uche Ohiaeri, who returned for the 2026 edition, said her participation in the programme in 2022 transformed her confidence and broadened her interests from creative writing to environmental conservation and community development.

Ohiaeri recalled that she initially joined because she simply enjoyed writing, but the experience challenged her to ask deeper questions about the ocean, the environment and communities connected to them.

She subsequently became involved in conservation activities at her school, where she taught younger students, and eventually wrote her first book.

According to her, the programme gave her the confidence to explore opportunities she had not previously considered and showed her that creative writing could serve as an entry point into wider environmental and civic engagement.

The Maritime Writes Project has previously held sessions in Lagos, Osun an

d Rivers states and has produced three published anthologies featuring 17 stories by past participants.

The organisers noted that African writers remain significantly under-represented in maritime fiction and that MWP is encouraging a new generation of Nigerian writers to explore stories around the ocean, shipping, coastal communities and the blue economy.

by Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos