NATIONAL INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY ACT
Act · Water
An Act establishes the National Inland Waterways Authority to develop and regulate Nigeria's rivers and canals for transportation and commerce. It targets vessel operators, communities along waterways, and investors in port infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient operations. This enhances connectivity and reduces reliance on road transport.
What Is This Policy?
This Act establishes the National Inland Waterways Authority as the body responsible for developing, managing, and regulating Nigeria's inland waterways to support transportation, commerce, and rural connectivity.
Who Does It Target?
Operators of passenger and freight vessels on Nigerian rivers, lakes, and canals Communities along major inland waterways seeking improved transportation access Investors in inland waterway transportation and port infrastructure
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
To develop Nigeria's inland waterways as a viable, safe, and efficient mode of transport and logistics, reducing pressure on road infrastructure and connecting communities and markets along the country's river systems.
Key Features
NIWA Establishment: Creates the National Inland Waterways Authority with the mandate to develop, manage, and police Nigeria's inland water transport network Waterway Development: Empowers NIWA to dredge, canalize, and maintain navigable channels on designated inland waterways Vessel Registration and Safety: Grants NIWA authority to register inland vessels and enforce minimum safety standards on all craft Jetty and Port Development: Enables NIWA to develop, lease, and operate jetties and inland ports along designated waterways Revenue Generation: Authorises NIWA to collect tolls, dues, and charges from vessel operators using NIWA-managed facilities
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Operational; navigational improvements and port development ongoing Coverage: All designated navigable inland waterways across Nigeria Funding: Federal government appropriations, NIWA internally generated revenue, and development partner support
How to Access
Inland vessel operators must register their craft with NIWA and comply with all safety requirements before operating commercially. Vessel registration application and payment of registration fees to NIWA Compliance with minimum vessel safety and equipment standards Operator licence for vessels above the prescribed size threshold Application method: NIWA headquarters, Lokoja, Kogi State, and NIWA district offices at major river ports
Official Resources
Website: www.niwa.gov.ng
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the National Inland Waterways Authority Act Cap N47 LFN 2004, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, the Ports Act Cap P9 LFN 2004, the Land Use Act 1978 for waterway corridors, and the River Basin Development Authorities Act.