The Federal Government has launched the Water Transportation Code to standardise inland waterways regulation, minimise accidents and provide a structured environment for potential investors.

The government also commissioned 15 boats of varying capacities and purposes to enhance surveillance, safety enforcement, and emergency response on the nation’s waterways.

The fleet comprises three surveillance boats, five safety enforcement boats, a gun patrol boat, a 62-seater passenger boat as a pilot scheme to replace traditional wooden canoes, three water ambulances, and two hydrographic survey boats equipped with multi-beam echo sounders.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, inaugurated the landmark projects, yesterday, at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) office in Lokoja, Kogi State.

He commended NIWA’s management for their efforts in bringing the vital water transportation code to fruition, adding that the several projects inaugurated are aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities and safety standards of Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Oyetola stated that these initiatives fulfill government’s commitment to ensuring the nation’s inland waterways are well-utilised for both cargo shipment and passenger transportation.

He also pledged to address both internal and external challenges impeding NIW’s operations, ensuring continuous improvement and expansion of navigable waterways.

While discussing the ministry’s plans, Oyetola revealed the goal to increase navigable waterways by at least 2,000 kilometers through comprehensive dredging.

He also mentioned ongoing efforts to finalise the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), which aims to support the development of the maritime sector.

Oyetola emphasised the critical role of the maritime sector in improving Nigeria’s balance of trade, strengthening the Naira, and creating employment.

The minister called upon the private sector to invest in and partner with the government in leveraging the numerous opportunities within the maritime industry to foster sustainable development.

“We will continue to create an enabling environment, develop supportive policies, and offer necessary assistance to grow the inland waterways segment,” he assured.

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, represented by his deputy, Salifu Joel, commended the President and NIWA leadership for implementing measures for safety on the inland waterways transport system.

In his welcome address, Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, expressed gratitude for the minister’s support and guidance in driving organisational reforms and enhancing operational efficiency.

He outlined the agency’s proactive measures, including the implementation of education grants, promotion letters, and medical packages for staff, to boost morale and productivity.

Oyebamiji also highlighted NIWA’s initiatives in public engagement, emergency response, and enforcement, culminating in the launch of the first phase of water marshal initiatives.

He said these efforts, coupled with the unveiling of the Transportation Code, underscore NIWA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of inland water transportation.