The Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Umar Gerei, has disclosed that the agency prioritises staff safety to improve their working environment.

Gerei made the disclosure in Lokoja, Kogi State capital, recently while delivering a paper titled ‘Good psycho-social working environment: A pathway to thriving workers and strong organisations’ to mark World Safety Day.

A statement on Tuesday by the Acting General Manager, Corporate Affairs at NIWA, Suleiman Makama, indicated that NIWA’s management prioritised the “provision of new offices and rehabilitation of old ones at the headquarters and selected area offices”.

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

The acting NIWA boss said the agency, in collaboration with sister organisations including the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, organises regular mental health sessions for staff.

“We have also implemented flexible work arrangements for nursing mothers in line with the existing circular from the Office of the Head of Service,” he added.

According to him, all categories of staff have enjoyed training in emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and workplace stress management in Turkey and Rwanda.

This year’s event had in attendance key stakeholders, including representatives of the Nigerian Navy, Lugard; Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, Kogi State Ministry of Transportation, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.