NIWA Boosts Staff Safety , Mental Health For Thriving Workforce

Acting Managing Director and CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Umar Yusuf Girei, has emphasized the agency’s top priority: ensuring staff safety to enhance their working environment.

In a paper titled “Good Psycho-Social Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organization,” delivered to mark World Safety Day on April 28, 2026, at NIWA’s conference hall in Lokoja, Kogi State, the Ag. MD outlined key initiatives.

According to a statement by Suleiman Makama, Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, NIWA , the Managing Director, noted that management has prioritized building new offices and rehabilitating old ones at the headquarters and select area offices.

“We have provided a well-equipped staff clinic and ensured access to potable water and proper sanitation at the headquarters, Lokoja, and some selected area offices,” he stated.

Through partnerships with sister agencies like the Federal Medical Centre Lokoja, NIWA organizes periodic mental health talks for staff benefit.

“We have also implemented flexible work arrangements for nursing mothers in line with the existing circular from the Office of the Head of Service,” the Ag. MD added. All staff categories have received training in emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and workplace stress management in Turkey and Rwanda.

This year’s event drew key stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerian Navy (NNS Lugard), Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), Kogi State Ministry of Transportation, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.