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Navigating Toward Sustainability

Harnessing Nigeria's Inland Waterways

Nigeria has about 10,000 kilometres of waterways that can provide all year-round navigation for transportation of bulk cargoes and passengers.

our services
Connecting Communities Through Waterways

Over 3000Km of Navigable Waterways

28 of Nigeria's 36 States can be accessed through water, linked to five neighbouring countries (Benin Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Chad and Niger).

our services
our services

Regulatory

We issue licenses for inland navigation, piers, jetties and dockyards; examine and survey inland watercraft and shipyard operators, grant permit and licenses for sand dredging,…
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Port

From seamless cargo handling to state-of-the-art facilities, we pride ourselves on delivering world-class port solutions tailored to the needs of our clients.
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Engineering

Our wide range of engineering services include construction of inland river-ports and jetties; engineering design of river ports. We also undertake in capital and maintenance…
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Marine

As part of our marine services, we remove and receive derelicts wrecks and other obstructions from inland waterways; clear hyacinth and other harmful weeds. We…
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Transport

NIWA is equipped with a number of vessels enabling us to operate ferry services (for economic goods and passengers) and run cruise boats (for tourism…
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Survey

We carry out hydrological and hydrographic surveys, river chart production, cartography, river mapping and aerial survey.
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what we do

Providing Ways & Means on Nigerian Waters.

About NIWA

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) was established vide act of the National Assembly, CAP 47, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004 (Decree No. 13 of 1997), with the primary responsibility to improve and develop Nigeria’s inland waterways for navigation.

Provide regulation for inland water navigation;
provide an alternative mode of transportation for the evacuation of economic goods and persons: and
execute the objectives of the national transport policy as they concern inland waterway
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Our Mission

To provide regulatory, economical and operational leadership in the Nation’s Inland Waterways system and develop infrastructural facilities for an efficient intermodal transportation system in line with global best practices that is safe, seamless and affordable.

Our Vision

To make Nigeria the leader in inland water Transportation, development and management in Africa.

Structured to deliver on our
mandate and core functions.

1
Departments
1
Area Offices
Shore Protection
Shore protection works are essential engineering interventions designed to safeguard coastal areas, riverbanks, and waterfronts from erosion, flooding, and other natural hazards. We employ a variety of techniques and structures to stabilize shorelines, mitigate erosion, and protect adjacent infrastructure and communities.
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River Flow Measurements
River flow measurements are crucial for understanding the behaviour of rivers, managing water resources, and mitigating risks associated with flooding and drought. These measurements involve the collection of data related to the volume, velocity, and characteristics of water flowing through a river at specific locations and times.
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Cargo Handling
Cargo handling encompasses the entire process of loading, unloading, stowing, and securing cargo on ships, trucks, trains, or aircraft for transportation. It involves a range of activities and specialized equipment to ensure efficient and safe movement of goods from origin to destination.
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Search and Rescue
Search and rescue (SAR) operations are coordinated efforts to locate, assist, and rescue individuals or groups in distress or imminent danger in various environments, including land, sea, air, and remote wilderness areas. These operations involve our highly trained personnel, specialized equipment, and efficient communication systems to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies.
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Some of Our Work
We are committed
To preserving the ecological balance and promoting responsible use of our water resources.
Shore Protection River Flow Measurements Cargo Handling Search & Rescue

NIWA, as an agency of government at all times, remains resolute to uphold the tenets of fairness and justice in discharging its official responsibilities to all clients.

Bola Oyebamiji
MD/CEO - National Inland Waterways Authority
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Charting a Digital Course for Waterways Management!
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Latest Tide Charts
latest

News & Press Release

Stay informed and stay ahead on all matters concerning National Inland waterways Authority (NIWA). Critical updates, advancements, and initiatives shaping the future of our waterways.

29 / 05 / 2025
by 
FG Distributes 3,500 Life Jackets to Waterways Users in Lagos
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency…
02 / 05 / 2025
by 
Oyetola Leads Distribution of Life Jackets in Bayelsa, Reaffirms Commitment to Safer Waterways
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency…
30 / 04 / 2025
by 
Oyetola Flags-Off Distribution of 42,000 Life Jackets for Inland Water Travels
The Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency…
27 / 03 / 2025
by 
MD NIWA and Management Staff Participate in Educative Training Programme in Saudi Arabia
The Managing Director of NIWA Mr. Bola Oyebamiji FCIB, along…
27 / 02 / 2025
by 
FG Inaugurates Special Committee to Curb Boat Mishaps in Nigeria
In a significant move to enhance safety on Nigeria’s inland…
08 / 02 / 2025
by 
Zero Tolerance for Boat Mishaps: GMs, Area Managers Sign Performance Bond with NIWA MD
As part of efforts to enhance safety on Nigeria’s waterways,…
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Registering a boat is required by law much like with a car and the rules and guidelines for how this process is done and what kind of watercraft must be registered are dictated by NIWA.
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