- Some of the commissioned boats
By Anthony Nwachukwu
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Tuesday in Kogi State ushered in a new era in inland water transportation regulation with the unveiling of the long-awaited Water Transportation Code.
The new regulatory framework, which was launched at the headquarters of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in Lokoja, is expected to significantly standardise water transportation, minimise accidents and provide a structured environment for potential investors.
Oyetola, who also inaugurated several landmark projects aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities and safety standards of Nigeria’s inland waterways during the visit, stressed that the maritime sector is critical to improving Nigeria’s balance of trade, strengthening the naira, and creating employment.
Therefore, “the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is determined to maximise the comparative advantages our maritime resources present,” he stated.
The projects inaugurated included 15 boats, comprising three surveillance boats, five safety enforcement boats, a gun patrol boat, a 62-seater passenger boat as a pilot scheme to replace traditional wooden canoes, three water ambulances, and two hydrographic survey boats equipped with multi-beam echo sounders.
Designed to enhance surveillance, safety enforcement and emergency response on Nigeria’s waterways, Oyetola said “these initiatives fulfill our commitment to ensuring our inland waterways are well-utilised for both cargo shipment and passenger transportation.”
He further pledged to address both internal and external challenges impeding NIWA’s operations, and to ensure continuous improvement and expansion of navigable waterways through comprehensive dredging, with a target to increase it by at least 2,000 kilometers.
Meanwhile, Oyetola disclosed that efforts to disburse the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), which aims to support the development of the maritime sector, were being finalised.
Against these backgrounds, he called on the private sector to partner the government, leveraging the numerous opportunities within the maritime industry to foster sustainable development.
“We will continue to create an enabling environment, develop supportive policies, and offer necessary assistance to grow the inland waterways segment,” he assured.
In his address earlier, NIWA Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Bola Oyebamiji, commended the minister’s support and guidance in driving organisational reforms and enhancing operational efficiency.
He noted that the agency’s proactive measures, including the implementation of education grants, promotion letters and medical package for staff boosted morale and productivity.
According to Oyebamiji, NIWA’s initiatives in public engagement, emergency response and enforcement, which culminated in the launch of the first phase of water marshal initiatives, alongside the unveiling of the transportation code, underscore its commitment to safety and efficiency of inland water transportation.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Oloruntola Olufemi, commended the NIWA management for the feat achieved and assured of the ministry’s support to achieve more.
