The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced plans to recruit and deploy about 800 water marshals nationwide by December 2025 as part of efforts to enhance safety and regulation across Nigeria’s waterways.
Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, disclosed this on Wednesday while addressing journalists in Abuja. He said the move is aimed at curbing incessant boat mishaps, enforcing life jacket compliance, and monitoring unauthorized loading points.
“The Federal Government is doing a wonderful job on water safety. We have all the necessary gadgets to enhance safety,” Oyebamiji stated.
According to Oyebamiji, the marshals will also be tasked with sensitizing passengers and boat operators on safe navigation practices and monitoring compliance with safety regulations.
“We plan to grow the number of marshals to 800 by the end of the year if finances permit. The aim is to ensure safer waterways and reduce incidents linked to negligence or disregard for safety rules,” he added.
Oyebamiji explained that NIWA has set up four to five specialized monitoring teams, including task forces, deployed across riverine areas to support water marshals and tighten surveillance.
He urged boat operators and passengers to strictly adhere to safety rules, especially the mandatory use of life jackets, which significantly increase survival chances during mishaps.
“We must discard superstitious beliefs about water protection and follow scientifically proven safety practices. Life jackets save lives,” he emphasized.
Oyebamiji called on the National Assembly to expedite passage of the Coastal Guard Bill, which he said would strengthen maritime safety enforcement.
He also stressed the need for collaboration with riverine state governments to improve safety awareness and response capabilities along waterways.
“Water safety is a shared responsibility. With more marshals, stronger legislation, and partnerships, we can make our waterways safer for everyone,” Oyebamiji concluded.
Currently, NIWA has between 350 and 450 water marshals. The planned recruitment seeks to increase personnel strength so that every authorized jetty nationwide will have more than one marshal to enforce safety measures.
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