Blue Economy
NIWA Engages Cross River, Ebonyi Stakeholders on Waterway Safety
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has intensified efforts to improve safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways by engaging key stakeholders in a collaborative meeting in Calabar, Cross River State. The meeting, which brought together representatives from federal, state, and security agencies, was aimed at fostering stronger partnerships to ensure safer boat operations and prevent mishaps on the waterways.
Speaking at the event, Engr. Stanley Onouha, the Area Manager of NIWA Calabar Area Office, emphasized that the primary objective of the engagement was to promote synergy among critical stakeholders. He stated that ensuring safety on the inland waterways requires a collective approach, as multiple agencies play vital roles in maintaining order, security, and emergency response. According to him, enhancing collaboration among stakeholders would significantly reduce the risk of boat accidents and improve overall operational standards.
“The safety of our waterways is a shared responsibility, and this meeting serves as an important step toward strengthening collaboration with key agencies. Our goal is to implement proactive measures that will drastically reduce boat mishaps and enhance the efficiency of emergency response mechanisms,” Onouha said.
The meeting saw participation from several important stakeholders, including the director general of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, the commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Victoria (NNS Victoria), and the leadership of the local fishermen association. Others in attendance included representatives from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the newly inaugurated NIWA Emergency Response Team, which is responsible for safety operations in Cross River and Ebonyi states.
Each stakeholder present at the engagement expressed commitment to working closely with NIWA to enhance safety on the waterways. The Nigerian Navy, represented by the commander of NNS Victoria, reiterated its readiness to support patrols and provide security against criminal activities such as piracy and illegal boat operations. The Cross River State Emergency Management Agency pledged to assist in disaster response and coordination during emergencies, while the local fishermen association highlighted the importance of educating boat operators on best safety practices.
A major highlight of the engagement was the official introduction of the NIWA Emergency Response Team, which will oversee rapid response operations and emergency preparedness across Cross River and Ebonyi states. The team’s mandate includes conducting regular safety drills, enforcing compliance with waterway safety regulations, and improving coordination in times of distress.
NIWA’s initiative comes at a time when concerns over waterway accidents and inadequate enforcement of safety measures have been on the rise. With increasing commercial and passenger activities on Nigeria’s inland waterways, ensuring strict adherence to safety guidelines, enhancing security, and strengthening emergency response efforts are critical to preventing avoidable tragedies.
Stakeholders at the meeting agreed on the need for continuous engagements, training programs for boat operators, and stricter enforcement of regulations to ensure that safety measures are adhered to. NIWA reaffirmed its commitment to implementing policies that would prioritize passenger and cargo safety while promoting efficient maritime operations.
As the meeting concluded, participants emphasized the importance of sustained inter-agency cooperation, improved public awareness on waterway safety, and the adoption of modern surveillance technologies to enhance safety on Nigeria’s waterways. With this renewed focus, NIWA and its partners aim to create a more secure and efficient inland water transport system, ensuring that both local communities and commercial operators can carry out their activities safely.