The Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Umar Yusuf Girei, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to staff welfare, declaring that workplace safety remains central to its operational priorities.
Speaking in Lokoja, Kogi State, during activities marking the 2026 World Day for Safety and Health at Work, Girei said the Authority was taking deliberate steps to create a safer and more supportive work environment for its employees.
Delivering a paper titled Good Psychosocial Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and a Strong Organisation, he emphasised that staff wellbeing directly impacts productivity and institutional growth.
According to him, management has embarked on the construction of new office facilities while rehabilitating existing structures at the headquarters and across selected area offices to improve working conditions.
He disclosed that NIWA has also established a well-equipped staff clinic at its Lokoja headquarters, alongside ensuring access to potable water and improved sanitation systems within its operational locations.
Girei further noted that the Authority has strengthened partnerships with key health institutions, including the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, to organise regular mental health awareness sessions for staff.
He added that in line with federal government guidelines, flexible work arrangements have been introduced for nursing mothers, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusive workplace policies.
The NIWA boss also highlighted capacity-building initiatives, stating that employees across all cadres have undergone specialised training in emotional intelligence, conflict resolution and stress management in countries such as Turkey and Rwanda.
He maintained that these interventions are designed to equip staff with the skills needed to navigate workplace pressures while sustaining efficiency and professionalism.
The event drew participation from critical stakeholders, including representatives of the Nigerian Navy, NNS Lugard, HYPPADEC, the Kogi State Ministry of Transportation, NESREA and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, underscoring a collective commitment to safety standards across sectors.