WAF Shipping Focus: Week 29
- Agwe Logistics Solutions
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has intensified efforts to tackle the proliferation of illegal jetties and unsafe water transport operations across the country, with plans to strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to improve enforcement and enhance safety on the nation’s waterways.
Chairman of the NIWA Governing Board, Barrister Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, disclosed this during a media briefing held as part of a facility tour of NIWA projects and facilities in Lagos last week. The tour was led by the Board Chairman alongside members of the Board and the Managing Director of NIWA, Engr. Yusuf Gerie, at the NIWA Lagos Area Office, Marina, Lagos.
Despite the heavy rains currently battering Lagos with high water levels and flooding , findings by Shipping Position Daily reveals that many commuters, including market women and children, continue to rely on open wooden and fibre boats popularly referred to as “open coffin” on routes linking Badagry, Ebute Ero, Marina and several riverine communities across the state.
Our findings revealed that passenger traffic on Lagos waterways has generally declined as commuters increasingly opt for road transportation during the peak rainy season. However, open boats remain a critical means of movement for residents and traders operating within Lagos’ riverine corridors.
Findings by Shipping Position Daily have revealed that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted 109,306.75 kilogrammes (109.3 tonnes) of illicit drugs with an estimated street value of over ₦45 billion at Nigeria’s seaports in the first half of 2026, underscoring the increasing use of the nation’s maritime gateways by international drug trafficking syndicates.
The findings, based on official first-quarter statistics obtained from the NDLEA and verified second-quarter seizure records released by the agency, showed that the anti-narcotics agency maintained sustained pressure on drug cartels operating through the country’s seaports, particularly Apapa, Tin Can Island and Port Harcourt ports.
The death toll from the tragic boat accident that occurred in the Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State has increased to six, while rescue teams continue frantic efforts to locate 34 other passengers who remain unaccounted for after the vessel capsized on Sunday.
The incident happened at about 4:30pm in the Malamawar Yan Dutse community when a boat carrying 40 farmers and labourers overturned while attempting to ferry passengers across a river.
Confirming the latest casualty figures on Monday, the spokesperson for the Jigawa State Police Command, SP Shi'isu Adam, said security personnel, emergency responders and local divers had intensified rescue operations in search of those still missing.
A maritime expert, Chief Eugene Nweke, has urged the Federal Government to strengthen maritime governance, port security, fisheries development and private sector participation to boost Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness. Nweke, Head of Research, the Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC), made the call in an interview on Monday in Lagos while reviewing developments in Nigeria’s maritime sector during the first half of the year.
He said the centre’s review identified rising drug seizures at Nigerian seaports and declining domestic fish supply as two major issues shaping the country’s maritime and blue economy.
Read more: https://shippingposition.com.ng/serec-seeks-tougher-maritime-security-fisheries-sector-reforms/
The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) says reforms introduced by the Federal Government are targeting seven-day cargo clearance and 72-hour resolution of business complaints to improve Nigeria’s investment climate.
Director-General of PEBEC, Mrs Zahrah Audu, disclosed this on Tuesday at the State House ‘Meet the Press’ briefing while highlighting achievements recorded since January 2025.
She said the reforms were designed to unlock private sector investment, create jobs and support President Bola Tinubu’s ambition of building a one-trillion dollar economy.
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