By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The Lokoja Area Manager of the
National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Titus Adoga, has called for stronger collaboration between the federal agency and Lokoja local government to improve the safety and security of inland waterways transportation.
Adoga made this call when he and other management staff of the Area office paid a courtesy visit on the Lokoja local government chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu on Thursday.
Adoga emphasised that safety and security are key to the success and growth of water transportation in Nigeria.
He highlighted the ongoing initiatives by NIWA to enhance safety, such as the recent introduction of a public transportation code, as well as the commissioning of critical operational assets including survey boats, gunboats, water ambulances, and passenger ferries.
The Area Manager also explained that safety awareness campaigns are being conducted across various operational bases, with efforts tailored to local communities and delivered in their native languages.
He commended the local government Chairman for the attention the council has accorded the safety and security of water transporters.
Adoga further appealed to the local government Chairman to collaborate more closely with NIWA, particularly in areas of training, safety campaigns and infrastructure.
Expressing gratitude to the NIWA Area Manager and his team, for the visit, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu said that the last couple of months have witnessed massive improvement in the Waterways Authority.
He said: “We will try to provide the facilities, personnel, and the environment to ensure we secure our waterways.”
Adamu, while assuring the Lokoja local government support, partnership and collaboration, thanked the Authority for the donation of few life jackets to the council.
“I assure you that we will work, cooperate and partner with you.
“I can assure you we are here for you, for the public; to serve our people and execute the federal government’s mandate,” he said.
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