As part of efforts to harness the blue economy potentials of Nigerian inland waterways, the Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, has joined other global maritime stakeholders and experts dissecting the topical issues bordering on Marine Geoengineering, Marine Litter and Microplastics and CO2 Sequestration, among others.
Oyebamiji, who is currently in London, attending the 46th Consultative Conference of Contracting Parties (London Protocol) in International Maritime Organization, IMO Headquarters in the United Kingdom, said insights at the ongoing conference would further help to improve and develop Nigeria’s inland waterways for navigation as part of the cardinal objectives of the Authority.
According to Oyebamiji, by implementing the London Protocol, Nigeria can significantly advance its inland waterways sector, aligning it with sustainable international practices, protecting marine ecosystems and strengthening socio-economic benefits.
The Protocol which has serious implications on the Nigerian maritime sector is centered on issues relating to inland waterways as it shapes environmental practices, safety and sustainability.
Some of the issues being deliberated on were; environmental protection; strengthened waste management practices; international compliance and standards; capacity building and training; enhanced monitoring and enforcement; support for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and health and livelihood support respectively.
Meanwhile, the NIWA boss reassured the public that no stone would be left unturned in enshrining safety on Nigerian waterways even as he reiterated the Authority’s commitment to nip in the bud the scourge of boat mishaps occasioned by noncompliance to the safety standards.