ABUJA, Nigeria — The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving waterway safety, upgrading infrastructure and promoting sustainable economic growth as Nigeria joined the global community to celebrate the 2026 World Maritime Day.
The Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Yusuf Girei, gave the assurance in his goodwill message during the celebration held on October 16, 2026, stressing the need to translate maritime policies into practical actions that would strengthen the sector and deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians.
The celebration, themed “From Policy to Practice: Powering Excellence,” brought together the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, FSM, MCIPM; the chairperson and keynote speaker, Mrs. Mfon Usoro; directors and heads of departments; chief executives of agencies under the ministry; members of the diplomatic corps; industry stakeholders and media representatives.
Girei said the theme underscored the importance of implementing policies effectively to achieve measurable improvements in maritime operations, safety and economic development.
According to him, effective policies must translate into safer waterways, dependable infrastructure, environmental protection and efficient services that support trade and economic growth.
He reiterated NIWA's commitment to collaborating with state governments, industry stakeholders, host communities and development partners to improve navigation, strengthen safety standards, modernise facilities and protect waterways that sustain the livelihoods of many Nigerians.
The NIWA boss also emphasised that achieving excellence in the maritime sector required collective responsibility, skilled professionals, effective regulation, investment in innovation and a firm commitment to safety and sustainability.
“By working together, we can build a maritime sector that is competitive, inclusive and prepared for the future,” he said.
Girei commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the ministry's Permanent Secretary and other stakeholders for their contributions to the development of Nigeria's maritime industry.
He urged participants to move beyond shared commitments and ensure that policies and ideas were translated into practical results that would advance the sector.
NIWA Rewards Essay Competition Winners
A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of awards to winners in the primary school category of the World Maritime Day Essay Competition, sponsored by NIWA.
Idris Jibril Oladimeji of Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos, emerged first and received a cash prize of ₦200,000 and a laptop computer.
Suleiman Aisha of St. Paul's Anglican School, Lagos Island, came second, winning ₦150,000 and a laptop computer, while Yahaya Aliyah of St. Mathias Girls Primary School, Lagos, took third position and received ₦100,000 and a laptop computer.
The Acting Managing Director participated in the presentation of the awards, highlighting NIWA's support for initiatives that encourage young learners to develop an interest in maritime affairs.
The competition formed part of activities marking the celebration and provided an opportunity to recognise the academic efforts of pupils while promoting awareness of the maritime sector among younger generations.
Girei, on behalf of NIWA's Board, Management and staff, congratulated stakeholders and wished them a successful 2026 World Maritime Day celebration.
He reiterated the Authority's resolve to work with relevant partners to promote safer inland waterways, improve operational standards and support the sustainable development of Nigeria's maritime sector.
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