ATBOWATON commends NIWA, stresses need for provision of more life jackets
ATBOWATON commends NIWA, stresses need for provision of more life jackets
The leadership and members of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria, (ATBOWATON) on Wednesday, paid a courtesy visit on the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Abuja Area/Liaison Office.
The visit was to congratulate the Acting Managing Director, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei and the Area Manager, Abuja Area/Liaison Office, Mrs. Aisha Eri on their recent appointments.
Speaking, the National President, Dr. Gani Tarzan Balogun commended NIWA for its consistent support to operators nationwide.
He particularly acknowledged the Authority’s deliberate focus on the safety of Nigeria’s waterways, with notable impact in the South West region.
Dr. Balogun drew the attention of the Authority to the acute shortage of life jackets which is one of the most pressing challenges facing boat operators.
He appealed to NIWA to prioritize the provision of more safety equipment, stressing that adequate life jackets are critical to protecting both passengers and crew.
The ATBOWATON boss also noted that improving the navigability of the nation’s inland waterways would significantly ease pressure on Nigeria’s roads.
According to him, a functional water transport system offers commuters and cargo operators a safer and more efficient alternative to road travel.
In his response, the Acting Managing Director, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei thanked the union for the visit.
He assured members that NIWA had already commenced work on many of the concerns raised, noting that interventions were underway well before the delegation’s visit.
Also speaking, the Area Manager, NIWA Abuja Area/Liaison Office, Mrs. Aisha Eri, described the visit as a welcome development.
She urged ATBOWATON members to bring their wealth of experience to bare in the FCT, expressing optimism that their expertise would help strengthen water transportation in the region.
