The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has intensified its water safety awareness campaign across waterfront communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as rising water levels and increasing environmental pollution heighten risks during the peak of the rainy season.
Key Highlights
NIWA launched a marine safety and environmental protection campaign in Abaji Area Council.
The initiative focuses on water safety, accident prevention and environmental protection.
Communities were urged to adopt safe navigation practices and protect waterways from pollution.
Traditional rulers pledged support for stricter compliance with water safety regulations.
The campaign aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and will extend to other FCT waterfront communities.
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The Abuja Area and Liaison Office of NIWA flagged off the Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Campaign in Abaji Area Council to improve safety standards on inland waterways and encourage responsible environmental practices among residents.
According to the agency, the sensitisation exercise is designed to educate waterfront communities on safe navigation, accident prevention and the need to protect rivers and waterways from pollution.
NIWA said the campaign supports the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reinforces existing regulations aimed at reducing waterway accidents and ensuring safer inland transportation.
Speaking during the exercise, the Abuja Area Manager of NIWA, Aisha Eri, thanked residents and traditional rulers for their cooperation and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting lives and promoting sustainable use of Nigeria’s inland waterways.
“Our responsibility goes beyond regulating waterways. We remain committed to safeguarding lives, promoting environmental sustainability and supporting communities that rely on inland water transport,” she said.
The Emir of Kwali, Alhaji Adamu Aguma, commended NIWA for bringing the campaign to the area, assuring the agency of the community’s support in promoting compliance with water safety regulations.
Other traditional rulers and district heads also described the initiative as timely and pledged to encourage residents to adopt the safety measures highlighted during the awareness programme.
The campaign forms part of a nationwide directive by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, mandating NIWA to sustain regular engagement with communities located along inland waterways.
In line with the directive, the Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Umar Girei, has instructed all area offices to prioritise public enlightenment campaigns and strengthen water safety advocacy across the country.
The authority said similar awareness campaigns will be extended to other waterfront communities within and around the Federal Capital Territory in the coming weeks as part of efforts to reduce waterway accidents and promote environmental responsibility.
