The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has launched an intervention to enhance safety standards on waterways, strengthen marine transport, and curb preventable incidents and weak operational oversight in the region.
Strengthening Marine Transport and Emergency Response
The initiative aims to improve marine transport practices, boost emergency response mechanisms and accountability, and promote safer navigation as development activities increasingly rely on water transportation to access remote riverine communities. The organization expressed concern that, unlike road transportation where operators can be directly monitored and regulated, marine transportation largely depends on third-party boat operators, exposing commuters and development workers to safety risks arising from poor safety compliance, inadequate emergency preparedness, and limited accountability standards.
Training for Boat Operators and Jetty Personnel
To address these challenges, PIND convened a two-day boat safety, security, and risk management training in Warri for boat operators and jetty personnel from Delta, Bayelsa, and Ondo States. The training marked a shift from reactive safety measures to a more proactive, system-level approach, targeting risks at their source by strengthening the capacity of those directly responsible for marine operations.
PIND Executive Director Sam Ogbemi Daibo, represented by Security Manager Abdulfatai Mohammed, explained that the intervention aims to protect waterways operators and communities. He emphasized that strengthening the skills, awareness, and accountability of boat operators is critical to addressing one of the most significant risk points in riverine operations.
By enhancing operator competence and standardizing safety practices, the initiative is expected to reduce marine incidents, improve emergency response outcomes, and enhance overall safety across waterways used by development actors and local communities. Beyond the training, Daibo noted that PIND will continue to engage operators through structured follow-up, monitoring compliance with safety standards, and integrating key requirements into vendor management processes.
Commitment to Safer Marine Operations
“This approach ensures that the intervention extends beyond a one-off activity to become part of a broader system for safer marine operations,” Daibo said. He added that this effort underscores PIND’s commitment to strengthening duty of care, improving operational safety, and supporting more reliable access to communities across the Niger Delta. By working with national institutions and local operators, the organization is contributing to safer waterways, where reduced risk translates directly into protected lives and more effective development delivery.
Training Content and Expert Guidance
The training combined technical sessions, practical demonstrations, and simulation exercises covering marine safety protocols, emergency response, navigation risks, maritime security awareness, and incident reporting. Participants were also trained on professional conduct and conflict sensitivity, reinforcing the role of safe and responsible engagement within riverine communities. Facilitators from the Nigerian Navy and NIWA provided expert guidance aligned with national maritime safety standards, ensuring that participants received credible, context-specific knowledge grounded in real-world operational conditions.
Stakeholder Endorsements
Rufus Ogbonlato, Area Manager of NIWA Warri Office, emphasized the importance of standardizing operational practices among boat operators to improve safety outcomes and protect lives. “Regular training and adherence to safety procedures are essential to reducing marine accidents. We commend PIND for creating a platform that promotes professionalism and responsible marine transport operations,” he said.
Commander Samuel Ateru, Base Administrative Officer of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, commended the initiative, noting that improved safety awareness and compliance among operators are critical to reducing avoidable incidents on inland waterways. “Safety on the waterways is a shared responsibility. Trainings like this strengthen preparedness, improve operational discipline, and support safer navigation across riverine communities,” he stated.
