The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has expressed deep regret over the tragic boat accident that occurred on Monday at Imore, Lagos State.
The mishap involved a fibre boat owned by Only God Marine Ltd., which strayed from its designated channel and collided with a wooden passenger boat. Preliminary investigations have identified negligence, particularly the captain’s obstructed vision due to heavy cargo and a failure to adhere to safety regulations, as key factors in the accident.
MWUN, in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
“We have also learned that arrests have been made, and prosecution will follow swiftly,” Adeyanju stated, emphasizing the need for accountability in such incidents.
The union commended the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, for his swift and decisive response to the accident.
According to MWUN, Oyebamiji’s prompt actions were instrumental in the rescue efforts and ensured that the injured received immediate medical treatment.
“His decisive action in the immediate aftermath of the incident is worthy of recognition,” the statement read.
MWUN also praised NIWA’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable, noting that such actions would serve as a deterrent to others. In particular, the union lauded Mr. Oyebamiji’s ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing safety on Nigeria’s waterways, including the creation of the NIWA River Marshal, which is focused on improving security and safety on coastal waters. “Initiatives such as the creation of the NIWA River Marshal are critical and should be further empowered,” the statement added.
However, while MWUN acknowledged NIWA’s efforts, the union stressed that more needs to be done to prevent similar accidents in the future. The statement called for improved monitoring of boat operators, regular dredging and channelling of coastal waters, better lighting, and the constant removal of wrecks that pose dangers to navigation.
“We call on the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to provide NIWA with the necessary resources to enforce safety regulations more effectively and efficiently, ensuring that incidents like this are minimized in the future,” the statement urged.
MWUN expressed hope that this tragedy would inspire all stakeholders to prioritize safety on Nigeria’s waterways, ensuring that lives are not needlessly lost due to negligence and preventable accidents.
