The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has emphasized the need for urgent reforms to address the rising incidents of boat mishaps on the country’s waterways.

AbdulRazaq, who is also the Executive Governor of Kwara State, made this call on the sidelines of a one-day interactive session organized by the Commissioners of Works and Transport in Nigeria.

According to AbdulRazaq, the reform should focus on investment, infrastructure upgrade, and improved regulation of water travels across the country. “The Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) should take the lead in this regard, supported by every stakeholder, including private sector players,” he said.

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AbdulRazaq also expressed gratitude to the participants, stating, “Your participation and contributions will enrich our discussions and help us find solutions to the safety and security challenges we face. Let us work together to make our inland waterways safer and more secure for all users.”

Professor Jubril Saaba, Secretary to the State Government, attributed the cause of incessant waterways mishaps to the abandonment of culture and tradition of the waterways by people who were born there and those who live in the areas.

“In those days when culture and tradition in the waterways were strictly observed, there were no mishaps of any sort on the waterways as prevalent now,” he said.

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has collaborated with security agencies to ensure the security of those traveling on the waterways. Chief Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIWA, stated, “The management of NIWA has held consultative meetings with security agencies in Nigeria to collaborate on tackling any insecurity threats on our nation’s waterways.”

Oyebamiji also highlighted NIWA’s efforts to improve safety on the waterways, including the unveiling of a transportation code for public use, the inauguration of operational assets, and the implementation of safety campaigns across all operational bases.