The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta has partnered with the Nigerian Navy and the National Inland Waterways Authority to strengthen marine safety standards across the Niger Delta’s waterways.
The organisation said the intervention aims to improve safety practices and reduce preventable incidents linked to marine transportation in riverine communities.
PIND disclosed this in a statement after convening a two-day Boat Safety, Security and Risk Management Training in Warri for boat operators and jetty personnel from Delta, Bayelsa and Ondo states.
The statement noted that the programme focused on improving the capacity of operators responsible for marine transportation as development activities expanded across hard-to-reach communities in the region.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of PIND, Sam Daibo, Col. Abdulfatai Mohammed (retd) said the initiative would help address critical risks associated with riverine transportation.
“This intervention is about protecting lives, both for those who work on the waterways and the communities we serve. By strengthening the skills, awareness, and accountability of boat operators, we are addressing one of the most critical risk points in riverine operations,” Mohammed said.
According to the statement, the training featured technical sessions, practical demonstrations and simulation exercises on marine safety protocols, emergency response, navigation risks, maritime security awareness and incident reporting.
Participants also received training on professional conduct and conflict sensitivity to encourage safer engagement within riverine communities.
Facilitators from the Nigerian Navy and NIWA reportedly guided participants using national maritime safety standards and operational procedures.
A representative of the Nigerian Navy said improving compliance with safety procedures among operators would reduce avoidable incidents on inland waterways.
“Safety on the waterways is a shared responsibility. Trainings like this strengthen preparedness, improve operational discipline, and support safer navigation across riverine communities,” the representative stated.
Also, the Area Manager of NIWA, Engr Rufus Ogbonlato, stressed the need to standardise operational procedures among boat operators to improve safety outcomes.
“Regular training and adherence to safety procedures are essential to reducing marine accidents. We commend PIND for creating a platform that promotes professionalism and responsible marine transport operations,” Ogbonlato said.
PIND added that it would continue engaging operators through follow-up activities and compliance monitoring to ensure safety standards become part of broader marine transport operations in the Niger Delta.
The organisation said the initiative underscored its commitment to improving operational safety and supporting safer access to communities across the region.
