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Emergency 24/7
+234 913 165 5053
language
English
Yoruba
Hausa
Igbo
French
Germany
Vessel Registration
Navigating Toward Sustainability

Harnessing
Nigeria's Inland
Waterways

Nigeria has about 10,000 kilometres of waterways that can provide all year-round navigation for transportation of bulk cargoes and passengers.

our services
Connecting Communities Through Waterways

Over 3000Km of Navigable Waterways

28 of Nigeria's 36 States can be accessed through water, linked to five neighbouring countries (Benin Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Chad and Niger).

our services
our services

Regulatory

We issue licenses for inland navigation, piers, jetties and dockyards; examine and survey inland watercraft and shipyard operators, grant permit and licenses for sand dredging,…
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Port

From seamless cargo handling to state-of-the-art facilities, we pride ourselves on delivering world-class port solutions tailored to the needs of our clients.
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Engineering

Our wide range of engineering services include construction of inland river-ports and jetties; engineering design of river ports. We also undertake in capital and maintenance…
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Marine

As part of our marine services, we remove and receive derelicts wrecks and other obstructions from inland waterways; clear hyacinth and other harmful weeds. We…
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Transport

NIWA is equipped with a number of vessels enabling us to operate ferry services (for economic goods and passengers) and run cruise boats (for tourism…
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Survey

We carry out hydrological and hydrographic surveys, river chart production, cartography, river mapping and aerial survey.
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what we do

Providing Ways & Means on Nigerian Waters.

About NIWA

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) was established vide act of the National Assembly, CAP 47, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004 (Decree No. 13 of 1997), with the primary responsibility to improve and develop Nigeria’s inland waterways for navigation.

Provide regulation for inland water navigation;
provide an alternative mode of transportation for the evacuation of economic goods and persons: and
execute the objectives of the national transport policy as they concern inland waterway
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Our Mission

To provide regulatory, economical and operational leadership in the Nation’s Inland Waterways system and develop infrastructural facilities for an efficient intermodal transportation system in line with global best practices that is safe, seamless and affordable.

Our Vision

To make Nigeria the leader in inland water Transportation, development and management in Africa.

Structured to deliver on our
mandate and core functions.

1
Ports
1
Area Offices
Shore Protection
Shore protection works are essential engineering interventions designed to safeguard coastal areas, riverbanks, and waterfronts from erosion, flooding, and other natural hazards. We employ a variety of techniques and structures to stabilize shorelines, mitigate erosion, and protect adjacent infrastructure and communities.
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River Flow Measurements
River flow measurements are crucial for understanding the behaviour of rivers, managing water resources, and mitigating risks associated with flooding and drought. These measurements involve the collection of data related to the volume, velocity, and characteristics of water flowing through a river at specific locations and times.
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Cargo Handling
Cargo handling encompasses the entire process of loading, unloading, stowing, and securing cargo on ships, trucks, trains, or aircraft for transportation. It involves a range of activities and specialized equipment to ensure efficient and safe movement of goods from origin to destination.
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Search and Rescue
Search and rescue (SAR) operations are coordinated efforts to locate, assist, and rescue individuals or groups in distress or imminent danger in various environments, including land, sea, air, and remote wilderness areas. These operations involve our highly trained personnel, specialized equipment, and efficient communication systems to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies.
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Some of Our Work
We are committed
To preserving the ecological balance and promoting responsible use of our water resources.
Shore Protection River Flow Measurements Cargo Handling Search & Rescue
NIWA remains committed to strengthening safer, cleaner, and more efficient inland waterways. Our focus is to deliver transparent service, modernize our operations, and ensure that every stakeholder benefits from a well-governed maritime transport system.
Yusuf Girei
Acting MD/CEO - National Inland Waterways Authority
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Charting a Digital Course for Waterways Management!
Vessel Registration
ECMS Portal
Latest Tide Charts
Statistics Portal
latest

News & Magazine

Stay informed and stay ahead on all matters concerning National Inland waterways Authority (NIWA). Critical updates, advancements, and initiatives shaping the future of our waterways.

16 / 10 / 2026
by 
OYETOLA REITERATES FG’s COMMITMENT TO MODERNISING PORTS OUTSIDE LAGOS
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON, has reassured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising ports outside Lagos as…
01 / 09 / 2026
by 
Three-Year Scorecard of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy
Nigeria’s maritime sector has recorded significant progress under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, with reforms driving improvements in revenue generation, port infrastructure,…
22 / 07 / 2026
by 
NIWA, NSIB Strengthen Collaboration to Enhance Safety on Inland Waterways
The Acting Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Malam Umar Yusuf Girei, said the Authority is committed to closely working with the…
13 / 02 / 2026
by 
NIWA Wins Maritime Agency of Year 2025 for Reducing Boat Mishaps by 70%
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has been honoured with the Maritime Agency of the Year 2025 Award in recognition of its outstanding achievement in…
09 / 02 / 2026
by 
“SYSTEM INTEGRITY KEY TO NIWA’s SUCCESS” – OYETOLA
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, made this known at a…
19 / 12 / 2025
by 
NIWA Trains 450 Boat Operators to Ensure Safer Navigation on Waterways
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has organized a 3-day training programme on safety measures for Boat riders and skippers across the six geopolitical zones
02 / 12 / 2025
by 
Acting Managing Director Assumes Office, Addresses Staff
The Acting Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, has formally assumed office and addressed members of staff during…
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Have a boat or any other watercraft?
Register it today

Registration is required by law, boats and other watercrafts used on inland waterways in Nigeria must be registered with NIWA. Check the requirements and start your registration online.

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