NIWA Restates Commitment To Safer Waterways, Sustainable Maritime Excellence
NIWA Restates Commitment To Safer Waterways, Sustainable Maritime Excellence
Lagos, Oct. 17, 2026 , The National Inland Waterways Authority has reaffirmed commitment to improving waterway safety, upgrading infrastructure and promoting sustainable economic growth nationwide.
The Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Yusuf Girei, stated this in his goodwill message at 2026 World Maritime Day celebration held Friday in Abuja.
This year’s celebration was themed From Policy to Practice: Powering Excellence for sustainable maritime development.
The event brought together Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, Permanent Secretary, Mrs Fatima Sugra Mahmood, Senator Wasiu Eshilokun and other stakeholders.
Also in attendance were chairperson and keynote speaker, Mrs Mfon Usoro, directors, heads of departments, chief executives of agencies and members of diplomatic corps.
Girei congratulated maritime stakeholders on the celebration and commended their contributions to development of Nigeria’s maritime industry over the years.
He noted that theme underscored importance of translating policies into practical actions capable of delivering measurable improvements across maritime sector.
“This year’s theme reminds us that strong policies create value only when translated into meaningful action for sector growth,” he said.
He said meaningful action means safer waterways, reliable infrastructure, environmental stewardship and services supporting trade and economic growth nationwide.
The NIWA chief reiterated Authority’s commitment to collaborating with state governments, industry stakeholders, host communities and development partners nationwide.
According to him, collaboration will improve navigation, strengthen safety standards, modernise facilities and protect inland waterways for economic prosperity.
He said achieving excellence requires skilled professionals, effective regulation, investment in innovation and commitment to safety and environmental sustainability standards.
“By working together, we can build maritime sector that is competitive, inclusive and prepared for future challenges,” Girei added.
He commended President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Permanent Secretary and stakeholders for contributions to sector growth.
He urged participants to move beyond shared commitments and ensure policies and initiatives produce tangible results for industry and economy.
A major highlight of celebration was presentation of awards to winners of Primary School Children’s Essay Competition sponsored by NIWA.
Idris Jibril Oladimeji of Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos, emerged first and received N200,000 cash and laptop computer.
Suleiman Aisha of St Paul’s Anglican School, Lagos Island, came second, winning N150,000 and laptop for outstanding performance.
Yahaya Aliyah of St Mathias Girls Primary School, Lagos, secured third place with N100,000 and laptop computer prize.
Girei participated in presentation of awards to young participants, highlighting NIWA’s support for learning and maritime awareness among children.
He said catching them young would promote interest in maritime sector and build future professionals for blue economy development.
The Acting Managing Director, on behalf of Board, Management and staff, wished stakeholders successful World Maritime Day celebration.
He reaffirmed Authority’s commitment to safer inland waterways and sustainable development of Nigeria’s maritime industry for economic growth.
The Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Engr. Sarah Braimah, appealed to stakeholders to support policies that would enhance safety, innovation and competitiveness in the maritime sector.
She commended the Acting Managing Director, Alhaji Yusuf Girei, for his leadership and commitment to repositioning NIWA for improved service delivery nationwide.
Braimah reaffirmed the Lagos Area Office’s commitment to implementing policies that promote safer waterways and sustainable growth of the maritime economy.
The World Maritime Day is celebrated annually to recognise contributions of maritime industry to global trade and economy.
