In a commanding recent address, Air Cdre SA Zakari FDC PHD (RTD), Commandant General of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Guard (NIWG), established a definitive operational tone for the agency, welcoming personnel and reinforcing the Guard's core mandate of discipline, professionalism, and inter-agency synergy.
Core Strategic Directives
Mandatory Inter-Agency Cooperation
Personnel are directed to work seamlessly with the Armed Forces, Police, Civil Defense, and Fire Service. Out on the waters, operational success and survival depend entirely on camaraderie—no agency should ever be underrated.
Absolute Professionalism Under Pressure
Recognizing the rigorous realities of fieldwork, officers must remain highly professional, disciplined, and polite at all times, maintaining absolute composure even when faced with intimidation on duty.
Executing the Security Mandate
The absolute priority of the NIWG remains the total security of Nigeria’s rivers, creeks, and expansive waterways, ensuring economic patrons and citizens are completely shielded from prevailing threats.
"There is no champion in the job of security. Much as you are important, other people are equally as important... you must cooperate with other agencies."
— Air Cdre SA Zakari FDC PHD (RTD)
Briefing the press shortly after, the Commandant General shed light on the historic roots of Nigerian maritime forces tracing back to the Royal Niger Company constabulary. He assured the public of the administration's deep commitment to reforming the maritime sector, emphasizing that in the current climate, giving citizens absolute assurance of their safety on the waterways is the sole business of the NIWG.
