In an effort to enhance operational safety and efficiency of boat operators and users on the inland waterways in the host community of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, the Management of the school donated twenty-five SOLAS compliant life jackets to MWUN, Oron branch. The two-day Stakeholders/Citizens Engagement, tagged “Harnessing the Opportunities of Marine and Blue Economy with Safety of Inland Waterways in Perspective”, took place at Oron Beach and the Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi Auditorium in the Academy respectively. The engagement which brought together diverse groups of stakeholders, including local boat operators, boat users, cadets, students, industry experts, regulatory bodies, security operatives, community people, and the entire Academy community, presented an opportunity for paper presentations, interactive sessions, and practical demonstrations on how to wear life jacket, first aid, fire prevention/fighting techniques. Innovative solutions to enhance safety of lives and properties on the inland waterways were also explored. The event also underscored the Academy's unwavering commitment to aligning with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy's mandate of bringing programmes of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to the people. By championing this initiative, the Academy played a dual function of fulfilling its corporate social responsibility to the people of the area and driving processes (fostering strategic collaborations) to improve safety standards and further strengthen Nigeria's Maritime Sector. epresented by the Deputy Director, Cabotage and Shipping Development in the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Ekanem Selia, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola said minimising boat mishaps is the Ministry's top priority project. She said “This is a crucial stakeholder engagement; it is timely and key to forging a robust platform of communication and understanding towards the path of ensuring sustainable safety on our waterways.” “Safety on our Inland waterways is a concern for all, regulation of operations to minimise boat mishaps are top of the Ministry’s priorities and events like these would show its willingness towards that mandate.” “The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in collaboration with its Agencies the National Inland Waterways Authorities (NIWA) and Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, is committed to promoting safety as the theme of this event “Harnessing the opportunities of Marine and Blue Economy with the safety of Inland Waterways Transportation in perspective” connotes. Earlier, the Acting Rector of the Academy, Dr. Kevin Okonna, reaffirmed the Academy’s dedication to contributing its quota towards implementing priority projects of the Ministry. “We are here to communicate to you the programme of the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for the betterment of the lives of the Nigerian people, especially people involved in riverine and inland waterways transportation. We are also here to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola is committed to implementing priority projects of Mr. President.” Speaking further, the Acting Rector said, “This workshop is, therefore, organised by the Marítime Academy of Nigeria in collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority in line with Mr. President's directive and as part of the programme of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to ensure safety on our inland waterways.” One major highlight of the event was the emphasis on capacity building by the Acting Rector who extended the invitation to MWUN, Oron branch to take up courses in the Academy on specialized training programmes tailored for boat operators and crew members. “I also want to encourage boat operators in Oron beach to work closely with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria for the training of their members in the relevant courses available at the Academy including Power Driven Small Craft (Speed Boat) operations and Outboard Engine Maintenance, etc.” “Our goal is to create a maritime environment where safety is paramount, professionalism is standard, and efficiency is non-negotiable. This engagement is part of our broader initiative to work hand-in-hand with stakeholders, understand their concerns, and equip them with the necessary knowledge and tools for safer operations,” he added. The engagement session, which served as a vital platform for dialogue, provided an open floor for stakeholders to voice out their concerns, which included: safety compliance, vessel maintenance, adherence to regulatory requirements, and collaboration between regulatory bodies and local operators. Representatives from the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) were present to discuss policy guidelines and security measures aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways. The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, said the nation’s Inland Waterways hold immense promises for catalyzing economic growth across multiple sectors. Mr. Oyebamiji who was represented by the authority’s General Manager, Marine, Engr. Dakio Horsfall said that NIWA is seriously committed to unlocking the full potential inherent in the nation’s Inland waterways. “Our nation is endowed with an extensive inland waterway network spanning over 10,000 kilometres, yet only about 3,000 kilometres are currently navigable year-round. These waterways hold immense promises for catalyzing economic growth across multiple sectors, including trade, tourism, fisheries, energy, and industrial development.” “However, to fully harness these opportunities, we must collectively address the safety challenges that continue to impede the optimal utilization of our inland waterways. At NIWA, our mandate is clear: we are committed to unlocking the full potential of our waterways through capital and maintenance dredging, river training works, and the development of ports, piers, jetties, ramps, and navigational aids.” “Despite these efforts, persistent safety concerns remain a significant barrier to realizing a thriving marine and blue economy. Unsafe water transportation not only jeopardizes businesses and discourages investment but, most critically, endangers lives. Yet, I am confident that with collaboration and strategic interventions, we can mitigate these challenges and position Nigeria as a leading force in the global maritime industry.” “I commend the Management and Staff of MAN, Oron for facilitating this engagement, providing a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and partnership building. I urge all participants to actively contribute as we seek innovative solutions and best practices that will shape the future of inland waterways transportation in Nigeria.” “I wish to emphasize that safety is a collective responsibility, one that extends beyond government agencies to include private sector stakeholders, boat operators, passengers, local communities, and the public at large. Together, through sustained collaboration, investment, and regulatory enforcement, we can ensure a secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable inland waterways transportation system,” he said. On hand also were Academy’s Safety Instructors and medical officials to provide practical insights on first aid, fire-fighting/prevention techniques and the latest advancements in maritime safety. The boat operators who expressed their appreciation to the management of the Academy for bringing the engagement to their doorstep acknowledged it to be first of its kind. According to the Akwa Ibom State Secretary of the Maritime Union Workers of Nigeria, (MWUN), Comrade Sunday Akpanim, “I appreciate the Acting Rector for this laudable initiative, it has never happened here before. Many Rectors have come and gone, we expected this kind of sensitisation programme a long time ago. So we are happy to be considered this time.” Also speaking, the Unit Chairman, MWUN, Aqua Jetty, Oron Beach, Comrade Efe Ongbete enumerated the significance of the sensitisation workshop, adding that the donation of life jackets by the Academy is a good move towards better transformation of the inland waterways sub-sector in the country. “It’s reassuring to see that the Maritime Academy of Nigeria is committed to working with us. The insights shared today will go a long way in improving our operations and ensuring safety for both operators and passengers,” he remarked. The Stakeholders’ Engagement concluded on a high note with major takeaways being the reiteration of safety regulations, increased training opportunities, and stronger partnerships between the Academy and MWUN, Oron branch. It is worthy of note that earlier this year, during a courtesy visit by the Executive Chairman of Oron Local Government Area to the Acting Rector in his office, the Acting Rector had mentioned to him that his administration was actively pursuing strategic partnerships with leading international organisations and relevant national institutions to sponsor safety awareness campaigns targeted at equipping operators and users of inland waterways in the area with vital knowledge and skills for safe boat operations. By prioritising safety education the Management of Academy under the leadership of Dr. Kevin Okonna is not just championing excellence in maritime education and training, but also setting a new standard for a safer, smarter and more sustainable maritime environment. This engagement therefore marks yet another landmark milestone in its mission to further contribute to a more efficient maritime sector. In the Acting Rector's entourage was top echelon of Academy’s Management, the representative of NIWA MD was also accompanied by some NIWA's General Managers. Others were top ranking security officers from different Nigerian Security Forces, royal father's and the community people.
Domo Umoekpe, ANIPR