By: Kareem Malik.

As the 2026 rainy season intensifies with heavy downpours and elevated water levels in the Lagos
Lagoon and connected inland waterways, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has ramped
up vigilance and operational protocols to safeguard ferry services relied upon by thousands of
commuters fleeing flooded roads and gridlocked traffic.

In a question answer session with Niwa Lagos Area manager, Engr Sarat Braimah, on the steps taken to
safeguard seafarers as the rainy season peaks with NIMET warnings, she stated that personels has
directed a heightened state of preparedness across all operational zones. In a directive issued from the
authority’s headquarters, Braimah emphasized NIWA’s commitment to maintaining clean, safe, and
resilient inland waterways during this peak period. “Our teams are working round the clock to monitor
navigation hazards, conduct necessary interventions, and support ferry operators and passengers who
depend on these essential services,” Braimah stated.

She further noted that NIWA views inland waterways as critical natural infrastructure for urban
resilience, particularly in a megacity like Lagos where roads become impassable during heavy rains. She
urged boat and ferry operators to strictly adhere to safety guidelines, including observing loading limits,
checking weather conditions, and avoiding high-risk movements during peak storm hours.

In Lagos, where NIWA oversees key ferry terminals and inland routes linking areas such as Ikorodu,
Apapa, Ebute-Ero, and broader lagoon networks, Engr. Sarat Braimah, the experienced Lagos Area
Manager, is leading on-the-ground efforts. Braimah, a decorated professional who recently received the
Nelson Mandela Pan-African Leadership Award for her transformative contributions to the sector, has
mobilized teams for real-time monitoring of lagoon conditions, intensified inspections at ferry terminals
like Ipakodo, and proactive clearance of water hyacinth and debris that could impede safe passage.

“Safety remains our top priority during this rainy season,” Braimah has consistently stressed in
engagements with operators. Her leadership in previous incidents and ongoing operations underscores
a hands-on approach to enforcing standards while promoting the expansion of reliable water transport
as a sustainable alternative to road congestion.

NIWA officials report that ferry movements on regulated inland routes continue with enhanced
protocols, including real-time weather integration and advisories disseminated through official channels.
The authority has called on passengers to cooperate by respecting capacity limits, wearing life jackets
where required, and heeding route-specific warnings.
As projections point to above-normal rainfall patterns this year, NIWA is also advancing longer-term
resilience measures such as targeted dredging, riverbank protection, and technology deployment for
better monitoring. These align with the authority’s broader mandate to develop inland waterways for
efficient, low-carbon passenger and goods transport.
Commuters are strongly advised to consult NIWA’s official updates via the Lagos Area Office at the Ferry
Terminal Building, Outer Marina Road, CMS Bus Stop, or through corporate communications channels
led by Makama for the latest service status and safety information.
With Lagos continuing to experience the full force of the rainy season, NIWA’s proactive stance under
Girei’s leadership, Braimah’s local execution, and Makama’s communication coordination will be crucial
in minimizing disruptions and protecting lives on the waterways.