PIND, Navy, NIWA Partner to Strengthen Waterways Safety in Niger Delta

The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) has joined forces with the Nigerian Navy and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to improve safety standards, strengthen marine transport, and curb preventable incidents on waterways across the region.

The intervention is designed to enhance marine transport practices, boost emergency response and accountability, and promote safer navigation, as development activities increasingly depend on water transportation to access remote riverine communities.

PIND noted that unlike road transportation, where operators can be directly monitored, marine transport relies heavily on third-party boat operators, exposing commuters and development workers to risks from poor safety compliance, inadequate emergency preparedness, and weak accountability.

To address these gaps, the organisation convened a two-day boat safety, security, and risk management training in Warri for boat operators and jetty personnel from Delta, Bayelsa, and Ondo States. The training marked a shift from reactive safety measures to a proactive, system-level approach that targets risks at their source by strengthening the capacity of those directly responsible for marine operations.

Executive Director of PIND, Sam Ogbemi Daibo, represented by Security Manager Abdulfatai Mohammed, said the intervention aims to protect both waterways operators and the communities they serve. He stressed that strengthening the skills, awareness, and accountability of boat operators is critical to addressing one of the most significant risk points in riverine operations.

“By strengthening operator competence and standardising safety practices, this initiative is expected to reduce marine incidents, improve emergency response outcomes, and enhance overall safety across waterways used by development actors and local communities,” Daibo stated.

Beyond the training, PIND plans to sustain engagement with operators through structured follow-up, monitor compliance with safety standards, and integrate key requirements into vendor management processes. Daibo said this ensures the intervention becomes part of a broader system for safer marine operations, rather than a one-off activity.

He added that the effort underscores PIND’s commitment to strengthening duty of care, improving operational safety, and supporting more reliable access to communities across the Niger Delta. By collaborating with national institutions and local operators, the organisation is contributing to safer waterways, where reduced risk translates directly into protected lives and more effective development delivery.

The training combined technical sessions, practical demonstrations, and simulation exercises covering marine safety protocols, emergency response, navigation risks, maritime security awareness, and incident reporting. Participants also received instruction on professional conduct and conflict sensitivity, reinforcing the importance of safe and responsible engagement within riverine communities.

Facilitators from the Nigerian Navy and NIWA delivered expert guidance aligned with national maritime safety standards, ensuring participants gained credible, context-specific knowledge grounded in real-world operational conditions.

Area Manager of NIWA Warri Office, Rufus Ogbonlato, emphasised the importance of standardising operational practices among boat operators to improve safety outcomes and protect lives. “Regular training and adherence to safety procedures are essential to reducing marine accidents. We commend PIND for creating a platform that promotes professionalism and responsible marine transport operations,” he said.

Base Administrative Officer of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Commander Samuel Ateru, commended the initiative, noting that improved safety awareness and compliance among operators are critical to reducing avoidable incidents on inland waterways. “Safety on the waterways is a shared responsibility. Trainings like this strengthen preparedness, improve operational discipline, and support safer navigation across riverine communities,” he stated.