The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has been named Maritime Agency of the Year 2025 at the prestigious New Telegraph Awards.
The award ceremony, which marked its 5th anniversary, was held at the popular Oriental Hotel and drew top government officials, captains of industry, and key stakeholders from various sectors of the economy. NIWA clinched the top prize in the maritime agencies category, underscoring its growing impact and reforms within Nigeria’s inland waterways sector.
In recent years, the Authority has significantly improved its operational efficiency, strengthened regulatory oversight, and enhanced safety measures across the nation’s waterways. These strides have positioned NIWA as a leading institution in the maritime industry.
Speaking with journalists at the event, the Acting Managing Director of NIWA expressed delight over the recognition, describing the award as a testament to the agency’s hard work and renewed commitment to excellence. He commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his unwavering support, visionary leadership, and strong belief in the agency’s mandate.
The NIWA boss noted that recurring boat accidents, which once posed serious concerns, are now being drastically reduced through proactive safety interventions. He highlighted the Minister’s recent nationwide tour during which life jackets were distributed to states and waterways operators as part of efforts to enhance safety compliance and protect lives.
The Maritime Agency of the Year category has previously been won by the Nigerian Ports Authority, further emphasizing the significance of the recognition as a benchmark of institutional strength, resilience, and service delivery.
The award reaffirms NIWA’s growing reputation as a reformed and forward-looking agency committed to transforming Nigeria’s inland waterways into a safer and more efficient transport corridor.
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