The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has ramped up its safety awareness initiatives across Lagos waterways, aiming to eliminate boat accidents and enhance safety compliance among water transport users. Engr. Sarat Braimah, the Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, shared this update during a courtesy visit from the 2026 Dockworkers' Day Committee of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) in Lagos.
Safety Campaign Aligned with NIWA Leadership
Braimah explained that the ongoing campaign follows the directive of the acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Yusuf Girei, who has made waterway user safety a top priority nationwide. She stated that the authority has been tasked with intensifying public sensitization to ensure passengers, boat operators, and other stakeholders adhere strictly to safety regulations, thereby preventing boat mishaps.
"I assure you that safety is the key word of the acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Yusuf Girei. He wants all water users to be safe. We have been directed to make sure that we campaign massively this month so that people will be aware that we must not record any boat mishap, and that is our target," she said.
Improved Safety Consciousness Among Commuters
According to Braimah, sustained awareness campaigns have significantly boosted safety consciousness among commuters and operators on Lagos waterways. Passengers are now more vigilant and actively report violations, particularly cases involving non-use of life jackets.
"People are now more aware. You even see passengers calling NIWA to report that somebody sitting next to them is not wearing a life jacket. Our awareness and sensitisation programmes have gone a long way," she stated.
Regular Boat Inspections and Modernization Plans
She added that regular inspections by NIWA's Marine Department have contributed to safer operations. "Every quarter, the Marine Department inspects all boats, so you hardly see boats on the waterways that are not in good condition," she said.
Braimah also disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is collaborating with NIWA to gradually phase out wooden boats, modernizing water transportation and improving safety standards. She acknowledged that the transition would be gradual to avoid disrupting operators' livelihoods.
"The ministry wants us to phase out wooden boats. We are working on this, but it is not easy to move people from 100 to zero immediately. We have to meet them halfway, and that is what we are doing," she explained.
Government plans to invest more in safer boats under current budgetary provisions will support the gradual replacement process.
Revenue Generation Success
On revenue generation, Braimah noted that NIWA has consistently surpassed its targets, doubling the revenue generated three years ago. "We are always meeting and surpassing our revenue targets. Three years ago, we doubled what we generated in the year you are talking about," she added.
