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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Environment & Climate

NIWA intensifies safety drive in Abuja

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) launched a marine safety and environmental protection campaign in Abuja's waterfront communities.
  • The initiative aims to promote safe navigation and environmental stewardship, aligning with President Bola Tinubu's administration's goals.
  • NIWA plans to extend the campaign to other communities around the Federal Capital Territory.

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has intensified its safety and environmental protection efforts in Abuja's waterfront communities as the rainy season brings rising water levels and increased pollution. The NIWA Abuja Area/Liaison Office conducted a Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Campaign in Abaji Area Council, emphasizing safe navigation practices and environmental stewardship.

This campaign directly supports the "Renewed Hope Agenda" of President Bola Tinubu's administration, which mandates zero tolerance for waterway transportation accidents and infractions. The initiative also aligns with federal laws aimed at ensuring the safety and health of communities living near the nation's inland waters.

The exercise re-emphasised safe navigation practices and environmental stewardship for residents living on and around the waterways. It is in direct alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the provisions of federal law, which enshrine zero tolerance for waterway transportation accidents and infractions.

— NIWA StatementA statement from NIWA explaining the purpose and alignment of the marine safety campaign.

Aisha Eri, the Abuja Area Manager, expressed gratitude for the host communities' cooperation and affirmed NIWA's ongoing commitment to safeguarding the waterways and the livelihoods dependent on them. The Emir of Kwali, Alhaji Adamu Aguma, praised NIWA's intervention and pledged his community's full support for waterway safety and adherence to regulations. Other local leaders also attended and expressed appreciation for the awareness campaign.

The sensitisation is part of a nationwide directive from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to regularly engage with littoral communities. NIWA's Acting Managing Director, Alhaji Umar Girei, has instructed all Area Offices to prioritize this directive. The Abuja Area Office team is scheduled to expand the campaign to other FCT communities in the coming week.

The nation's inland waters and the lives and livelihoods of those who depend on them.

— Aisha EriAbuja Area Manager Aisha Eri assuring communities of NIWA's sustained commitment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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