RIVER NIGER TRANSIT ACT
Act · Water
An Act regulates navigation and transit on the River Niger in line with international agreements. It targets vessels from riparian states and national waterways authorities. This facilitates commerce and ensures equitable access for all treaty partners.
RIVER NIGER TRANSIT ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act giving effect to agreements between Nigeria and other riparian states on freedom of navigation and transit on the River Niger, regulating access for vessels of signatory nations.
Who Does It Target?
Vessels of Niger River riparian states transiting Nigerian waters National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Federal Ministry of Transportation Riparian state governments
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Facilitate commerce and navigation on the River Niger in accordance with international agreements, ensuring vessels of all treaty partners have equitable access to Nigerian portions of the river.
Key Features
Transit Rights: Guarantees transit passage for vessels of riparian states through Nigerian portions of the Niger River. Non-Discrimination: Requires equal treatment for vessels of all treaty partner nations. Facilities: Ensures navigational aids and facilities on the Nigerian section are maintained for all users. Niger River Authority: Links to the Niger River Authority framework for cooperative river management.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nigerian portions of the River Niger Beneficiaries: Riparian states; inland waterway commerce Funding: Federal Government; Niger Basin Authority
How to Access
Vessels of treaty partners must comply with Nigerian navigation rules within Nigerian waters Pre-notification of transit voyages may be required All vessels must carry valid registration and safety certificates Application method: Engage NIWA for navigation permits on the River Niger.
Important Terms
Transit rights do not exempt vessels from Nigerian immigration and customs requirements Safety violations by transit vessels are subject to Nigerian law Nigeria may temporarily suspend transit rights for security reasons
Official Resources
Website: https://www.niwa.gov.ng Contact: National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA)
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Implements Nigeria's obligations under the Act of Navigation and Trade on the River Niger (Act of Niamey, 1963) and its revised versions. Operates alongside the National Inland Waterways Authority Act, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, and the Niger Basin Authority Convention.