NAVIGABLE WATERWAYS (DECLARATION) ACT
Act · Water
An Act declares specific rivers and water bodies as navigable waterways, vesting management in the Federal Government through the National Inland Waterways Authority. It targets vessel operators, state governments, and communities along these waterways for transport development. This enables better inland waterway management and resource use.
NAVIGABLE WATERWAYS (DECLARATION) ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act declaring specific rivers, creeks, and water bodies in Nigeria as navigable waterways, vesting management and navigation rights in the Federal Government through the National Inland Waterways Authority.
Who Does It Target?
Vessel operators on declared navigable waterways National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) State governments with inland waterways Communities along navigable waterways
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Establish clear federal authority over declared navigable waterways, enabling development of inland waterway transport and management of water resources.
Key Features
Waterway Declaration: Names specific water bodies as federal navigable waterways. Federal Jurisdiction: Federal Government has authority over declared navigable waterways. NIWA Management: NIWA manages navigation, safety, and development on declared waterways. Navigation Rights: Commercial and recreational navigation rights on declared waterways.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Declared navigable waterways nationwide Beneficiaries: Inland waterway transport; communities along waterways Funding: Federal Government; NIWA
How to Access
Vessel operators: register with NIWA and comply with navigation rules Commercial operators: obtain NIWA licences for waterway services Access waterway maps and navigation charts from NIWA Application method: Engage NIWA at https://www.niwa.gov.ng
Important Terms
Obstruction of declared navigable waterways is an offence Federal jurisdiction over navigable waterways does not extinguish state riparian rights NIWA may charge tolls on some navigable waterways
Official Resources
Website: https://www.niwa.gov.ng Contact: National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA)
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the National Inland Waterways Authority Act, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, the Admiralty Jurisdiction Act 1991, the Land Use Act 1978 for waterway corridors, and the Niger Delta Development Commission Act.