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The Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, has sought a strategic partnership with the World Maritime University (WMU) to strengthen Nigeria’s inland waterways through enhanced maritime education, research and capacity building.
Shagari made the call during a high-level meeting with the President of the World Maritime University, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr., on the sidelines of the ongoing International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council Meeting in London.
The meeting focused on expanding collaboration in maritime education, workforce development, research and sustainable inland water transport as part of Nigeria’s drive to modernise its waterways infrastructure and unlock the economic potential of the blue economy.
Shagari, who was accompanied by NIWA’s Acting Managing Director, Yusuf Girei, said Nigeria remains committed to developing a modern, safe and efficient inland waterways system capable of supporting trade, transportation and national economic growth.
He noted that the country’s extensive inland waterways network presents enormous opportunities for commerce and connectivity but requires sustained investment in human capital and institutional capacity.
According to the NIWA Board Chairman, partnerships with globally recognised maritime institutions such as WMU are critical to achieving the Federal Government’s vision of improving safety standards, operational efficiency and economic activities across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
He added that stronger cooperation in research, technical training and knowledge exchange would equip Nigerian maritime professionals with the expertise needed to address emerging industry challenges while aligning the country’s waterways sector with international best practices.
Responding, WMU President Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr. reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting member states through world-class education, research and professional development programmes.
He commended Nigeria’s renewed focus on maritime development and expressed the institution’s readiness to deepen collaboration with NIWA and other relevant agencies to strengthen maritime governance and inland waterways management.
Professor Mejia stressed that sustainable growth in the maritime sector depends on continuous investment in skilled manpower, innovation and compliance with international standards.
Both parties also explored opportunities for specialised training programmes, academic exchanges and institutional partnerships aimed at building a globally competitive inland waterways sector in Nigeria.
The engagement formed part of a series of strategic bilateral meetings held during the IMO Council session, where global maritime leaders are discussing policies and initiatives to advance safer, more secure and environmentally sustainable shipping worldwide.
