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The Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Umar Yusuf Girei, has urged stakeholders, operators, and clients of the Authority not to panic over the recent Supreme Court judgment on aspects of the NIWA Act, clarifying that the ruling reaffirmed the agency’s core regulatory mandate over inland waterways operations across the country.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with journalists at the NIWA headquarters in Lokoja, Girei explained that the apex court upheld the Authority’s statutory responsibilities relating to inland waterways navigation, safety regulation, channel management, river infrastructure development, and the promotion of inland waterways transportation as contained in Sections 10 and 11 of the NIWA Act.
According to him, only Sections 12 and 13 of the Act, which deal with land-related matters outside maritime operations, were voided to the extent of their inconsistency with the Constitution.
The NIWA Acting MD therefore appealed to stakeholders to remain calm, law-abiding, and avoid misinformation pending the release of an official position by the Authority after obtaining the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment.
“We urge all stakeholders and users of our services to remain calm and await NIWA’s official statement after the Certified True Copy of the judgment is received,” he said.
Meanwhile, ahead of the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, Girei issued a strong safety advisory to boat operators nationwide, warning against any violation of waterways safety regulations during the festive period.
He noted that Sallah celebrations traditionally witness heightened movement along inland waterways, especially in riverine communities, making strict compliance with safety measures imperative.
The NIWA boss stressed that overloading of boats would not be tolerated, while the use of life jackets by passengers and operators remains compulsory.
He further prohibited night journeys, alcohol consumption by boat operators, and disregard for weather advisories.
“No overloading, compulsory use of life jackets, no night travel, no alcohol consumption by operators, and every journey must be preceded by proper weather assessment,” Girei warned.
He disclosed that NIWA enforcement personnel, working alongside security agencies, would be stationed at jetties across the country to monitor compliance and prevent avoidable mishaps during the festive season.
According to him, operators who violate safety regulations risk arrest, seizure of vessels, and possible prosecution.
Girei also advised commuters to avoid boarding overloaded boats, vessels without adequate safety gear, or operators attempting to travel after dark.
While extending Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslim faithful, he called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to intensify public awareness on waterways safety through sermons, meetings, and other public engagements.
