Boat operators commend NIWA over safety of Nigeria’s waterways

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has been commended for its consistent support to boat operators under the auspices of members of the Association of the Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON).

The boat operators particularly acknowledged the NIWA’s deliberate focus on the safety of Nigeria’s waterways, with notable impact in the South West region.

The ATBOWATON National President, Dr. Gani Tarzan Balogun, gave the commendation when he led the leadership of the association on a courtesy visit to the Acting NIWA Managing Director, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei.

Congratulating Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei and the Area Manager, Abuja Area/Liaison Office, Mrs. Aisha Eri, on their recent appointments, Dr. Gani Tarzan Balogun, however, drew attention to one of the most pressing challenges facing boat operators: the acute shortage of life jackets.

He appealed to NIWA to prioritize the provision of more safety equipment, stressing that adequate life jackets are critical to protecting both passengers and crew.

The ATBOWATON President further noted that improving the navigability of the nation’s inland waterways would significantly ease pressure on Nigeria’s roads.

According to him, a functional water transport system offers commuters and cargo operators a safer and more efficient alternative to road travel.

In his response, the Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, thanked the association for the visit and assured them that NIWA had already commenced work on many of the concerns raised, noting that interventions were underway well before the delegation’s visit.

Also speaking, the Area Manager, NIWA Abuja Area/Liaison Office, Mrs. Aisha Eri, described the visit as a welcome development. She urged ATBOWATON members to bring their wealth of experience to bear in the FCT, expressing optimism that their expertise would help strengthen water transportation in the region.