The Chairman of the Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Alhaji Muktar Shagari, has pledged to strengthen the enforcement of safety regulations and improve monitoring systems to curb the loss of lives on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Shagari made the pledge on Thursday while addressing the management and staff of the Authority as he formally resumed office at NIWA’s headquarters in Lokoja.
He said the mandate of the Board aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which challenges federal institutions to raise standards, promote transparency, and deliver measurable outcomes for Nigerians.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda challenges every federal institution to raise its standards, strengthen transparency, and deliver tangible results that improve the lives of Nigerians.
“For NIWA, this agenda aligns perfectly with our mandate to transform Nigeria’s inland waterways into safe, efficient, and economically vibrant corridors of national development,” he said.
Shagari outlined three key priorities that would guide the Board’s engagement with the Authority.
“Going forward, we will strengthen the enforcement of safety regulations, improve monitoring systems, and promote a culture of professionalism across all NIWA operations,” he stated.
He stressed that safety on the nation’s waterways would remain non-negotiable under his leadership, noting that preventable accidents must be decisively addressed.
“Every life lost on our waterways is one too many. Under this Board, safety is not negotiable,” Shagari added.
Shagari was recently appointed Chairman of the NIWA Board by President Bola Tinubu as part of efforts to reposition the Authority and enhance the regulation and development of inland waterways transport across the country.
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