By Abbas Nazil
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has taken a step to improve water safety by laying 100 navigational buoys along the River Niger, spanning from Gbajibo in Niger State to Gbajibo-Mundi in Kwara State.
This move is aimed at enhancing navigational safety for boat operators, reducing accidents, and ensuring smooth transportation across the inland waterways.
Bola Oyebamiji, the Managing Director/CEO of NIWA, announced the development in a statement issued by the authority’s Assistant General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Suleiman Makama, on Tuesday.
He said that the deployment of the buoys is part of NIWA’s ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and properties on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
According to Oyebamiji, the river along the specified route is naturally deep, with the shallowest point measuring about 21.3 meters.
To provide clear guidance for navigators, NIWA strategically placed 60 red-colored buoys and 40 green-colored buoys.
These markers serve critical functions, including indicating safe navigation channels, alerting boat operators to potential hazards, and designating restricted or protected areas.
He noted that the installation of these buoys aligns with NIWA’s broader initiative to minimize the frequency of boat mishaps, which have been a recurring challenge in Nigeria’s waterways.
The MD expressed concern over the increasing number of avoidable accidents caused by poor navigation practices, overloading, and non-compliance with safety regulations.
He urged boat drivers and transport operators to fully utilize the new markers to prevent further tragedies.
The move to improve safety measures follows NIWA’s commitment to enforcing stricter safety regulations, which were a major focus during the authority’s 2025 management retreat.
At the retreat, Oyebamiji stressed the importance of operational efficiency and adherence to safety guidelines to reduce the risk of accidents and improve overall water transport services across the country.
With the installation of these buoys, NIWA aims to foster a more structured and secure navigation system for commercial and private water transport operators.
Oyebamiji reassured waterway users that NIWA would continue to implement measures that promote safer navigation, urging all stakeholders to collaborate in maintaining the safety of Nigeria’s inland waterways.
He stressed that only through strict adherence to navigational guidelines and effective use of installed markers can the country’s water transport sector experience significant improvements in safety and efficiency.
