NIWA commits to London protocol implementation

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, has pledged to implement the London Protocol on Inland Waterways in line with sustainable international practices, protecting marine ecosystems and strengthening socio-economic benefits.

He said the Protocol, which has serious implications for Nigeria’s maritime sector is centred on issues relating to inland waterways as it shapes environmental practices, safety and sustainability.

Oyebamiji stated this in London at the 46th Consultative Conference of Contracting Parties at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Headquarters in the United Kingdom.

Oyebamiji said implementing the London Protocol will ensure Nigeria significantly advances its inland waterways sector. He assured the international community of the authority’s efforts to sanitise the system, ensure all-around security, and safety and continuously guarantee adequate protection of lives and property of the citizens on the nation’s inland waterways.

Oyebamiji reassured the public that no stone would be left unturned to champion the constitutional obligations of the authority and achieve its mandate under the umbrella of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the safety of Nigerian waterways remains nonnegotiable as the authority was irrevocably committed to nip in the bud the scourge of boat mishaps occasioned by noncompliance with the safety standards by the reckless boat operators and defaulters.

Oyebamiji 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.