The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has installed numerous buoys across Niger and Kwara States to improve navigational safety for all waterway users.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Mr. Suleiman Makama, Assistant General Manager for Corporate Affairs at NIWA, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Mr. Bola Oyebamiji revealed the initiative. He explained that NIWA had successfully deployed 100 water buoys , extending from Gbajibo in Niger State to Gbajibo-Mundi in Kwara State, to assist boat operators and navigators along the waterways.

This development aims to enhance safety and efficiency for those utilising inland water transportation, marking a significant step towards promoting sustainable waterway management.

The MD explained: “The river is generally deep with the least depth of 21.3 metres, therefore 60 red coloured and 40 green coloured buoys were used.

“These buoys serve as critical markers, indicating safe navigation channels, warning of hazards and designating protected areas.

“This measure is part of NIWA's proactive steps towards safeguarding our waterways, and the lives and properties of travellers across the nation's inland waterways.”

The NIWA boss frowned at the number of avoidable boat mishaps recorded across the waterways in the country.

He expressed the hope that with the laying of the buoys along the River Niger, navigators and transporters would make good use of them to ensure safety of travellers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that during the 2025 management retreat, Oyebamiji had emphasised safety regulations and improved operational efficiency across the nation's inland waterways.