NIWA Intensifies Safety Campaign in Abaji as Peak Rainy Season Heightens Waterways Risks
NIWA Intensifies Safety Campaign in Abaji as Peak Rainy Season Heightens Waterways Risks
….Area Manager, Traditional Ruler Reaffirm Commitment to Zero-Tolerance Policy on Waterways Accidents
(By Udeme Clement)
The National Inland Waterways Authority ,NIWA, has intensified its marine safety and environmental protection campaign in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), taking its public sensitisation drive to waterfront communities in Abaji Area Council.
This becomes necessary as the peak of the rainy season brings heightened risks of flooding, rising water levels and water pollution.
The awareness campaign, organised by the NIWA Abuja Area/Liaison Office on Wednesday, forms part of the Authority’s proactive measures to reinforce safe navigation practices, environmental sustainability and accident prevention across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and reinforces the Federal Government’s zero-tolerance policy on waterways transportation accidents and safety infractions.
Addressing community leaders and residents during the exercise, the Area Manager of Abuja Area/Liaison Office, Hajia Aisha Eri, expressed appreciation for the cooperation consistently demonstrated by the host communities. She reaffirmed NIWA’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s inland waterways through sustained public enlightenment, regulatory enforcement and collaborative engagement with waterfront populations.
According to her, continuous sensitisation remains a critical component of the Authority’s strategy to reduce avoidable accidents, preserve the aquatic environment and protect the lives and livelihoods of citizens whose daily activities depend on inland water transportation.
In his remarks, the Emir of Kwali, His Royal Highness Alhaji Adamu Saba Aguma, commended NIWA for bringing the safety campaign directly to the grassroots.
He described the initiative as timely and impactful, pledging the support of traditional institutions towards ensuring strict compliance with all established waterways safety regulations within their respective communities.
Other traditional leaders, including the District Head of Kundu, John Dogole; Sarkin Tungbufu, Mohammed Yusuf; Sarkin Nassarawa, Ayahaya Nassarawa; Sarkin Kutara, Musa Wabai; Sarkin Kwago and Padama, Musa Alanana; and Sarkin Kwakwa, Abdullahi Kwakwa, also lauded the Authority for the enlightenment programme.
They collectively assured NIWA of their commitment to promoting safety messages conveyed during the campaign and encouraging full compliance among residents.
The sensitisation exercise forms part of a nationwide directive issued by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, mandating sustained engagement with littoral communities as a strategic approach to strengthening safety consciousness and environmental responsibility across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
In furtherance of this mandate, the Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, instructed all Area Offices nationwide to accord the campaign the highest priority, underscoring the Authority’s determination to significantly reduce waterways accidents through continuous public education, stakeholder collaboration and strict adherence to safety regulations.
As part of its sustained outreach programme, the NIWA Abuja Area/Liaison Office is expected to extend the sensitisation campaign to additional littoral communities within and around the Federal Capital Territory in the coming week, further deepening awareness and reinforcing the collective responsibility required to achieve safer and more environmentally sustainable inland waterways.
