The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to modernising Nigeria’s inland waterways infrastructure through strategic partnerships aimed at improving safety, operational efficiency and unlocking the country’s blue economy potential.
Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, gave the assurance during a meeting with the President of the World Maritime University (WMU), Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr., on the sidelines of the ongoing International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council Meeting in London.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in maritime education, inland waterways development, capacity building and the promotion of sustainable transportation systems.
Shagari said the Federal Government remains committed to reforms that will modernise Nigeria’s inland waterways in line with international maritime best practices, noting that improved water transport infrastructure is critical to enhancing safety and driving economic growth.
He explained that partnerships with leading global maritime institutions would help build the technical capacity of Nigerian professionals to address emerging challenges in the maritime sector.
According to him, knowledge exchange, research collaboration and specialised professional training are essential to advancing Nigeria’s maritime ambitions and positioning the country as a stronger player in the global maritime industry.
In his remarks, President of the World Maritime University, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr., reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting member states through education, research and capacity development programmes.
He commended Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its maritime sector and expressed the university’s readiness to deepen collaboration with relevant institutions to support sustainable development in the industry.
Professor Mejia emphasised that long term growth in the maritime sector depends on sustained investment in human capital, innovation and compliance with international standards.
Both parties agreed to explore opportunities for expanding educational programmes, specialised training and institutional partnerships to support the long-term development of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The engagement formed part of a series of strategic meetings at the IMO Council session, where maritime leaders are discussing policies to promote safe, secure and environmentally sustainable shipping operations worldwide.
Source: The Guardian
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