Uche Cecil Izuora
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has demonstrated further commitment to waterways safety procedures by providing nearly 6,000 life jackets.
The Authority’s Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji FCIB, states that the initiative is aimed at enhancing safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways
He stated this during the inaugural meeting of the newly appointed Board of Directors.
The new Board is chaired by Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, with Bola Oyebamiji serving as Managing Director. In his welcome address to the Board, Oyebamiji highlighted significant achievements, including the gazetting of the Water Transportation Code and the deployment of additional Water Marshals to manage loading and off-loading points across the country. He also noted the extensive public sensitization campaigns in over twelve states and routine safety drives at jetties and watersides. Cooperation with state governments such as Bayelsa, Niger, Kwara, Sokoto, and Lagos has further strengthened these efforts.
In his inaugural speech, Board Chairman Hon. Adar expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing the new members and thanked the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his recommendation. He praised the visionary leadership of previous NIWA boards and management teams, recognizing their lasting legacy and the Authority’s continued relevance in the maritime sector.
Hon. Adar affirmed his commitment to working closely with management and stakeholders to build a stronger organization. He pledged to fully dedicate his time and resources to advancing NIWA’s vision of establishing and sustaining a first-class, professionally managed Authority that is flexible, responsive to Nigerian needs, and respected locally and internationally.
This enhanced leadership team, combined with ongoing safety initiatives such as the distribution of life jackets, signals NIWA’s dedication to improving waterway safety and strengthening Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.