The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has installed several buoys in Niger and Kwara States to improve navigational safety for all water users.
NIWA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, announced this on Tuesday in a statement issued by Mr Suleiman Makama, Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, NIWA.
Oyebamiji stated that the authority had successfully deployed 100 water buoys from Gbajibo in Niger State to Gbajibo-Mundi in Kwara State to assist boat operators and navigators along the waterways.
The MD explained: “The river is generally deep, with the shallowest point measuring 21.3 metres. Therefore, 60 red-coloured and 40 green-coloured buoys were installed.
“These buoys serve as crucial markers, identifying safe navigation routes, warning of potential hazards, and designating protected zones.
“This initiative is part of NIWA’s proactive approach to safeguarding our waterways, as well as the lives and property of travellers using the nation’s inland water routes.”
The NIWA chief expressed concern over the frequency of preventable boat accidents recorded across the country’s waterways.
He expressed confidence that with the deployment of the buoys along the River Niger, navigators and transporters would utilise them effectively to enhance traveller safety.
Recall that during the 2025 management retreat, Oyebamiji had stressed the importance of safety regulations and the need for improved operational efficiency across the nation’s inland waterways.
