The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated a Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps.
The inauguration took place at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja on Thursday, marking a crucial move to address the persistent challenges of boat accidents across the country.
Speaking at the event, Mr Oyetola emphasized the urgent need to mitigate the rising cases of boat mishaps, which have resulted in significant loss of lives and property. He described the country’s waterways as essential for commerce, transportation, and livelihoods, underscoring the importance of ensuring their safety and efficiency for the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.
“The task before us is daunting, but with unwavering commitment, we can eliminate boat mishaps and ensure that our waterways remain safe, navigable, and prosperous for generations to come,” Oyetola stated.
He further noted that the establishment of the committee aligns with the 2024 International World Maritime Day theme, “Navigating the Future: Safety First.”
The committee comprises key stakeholders, including state government representatives, the Association of Boat Operators in Nigeria, marine safety experts, and academics. It will be chaired by the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, while Adams Offie, Deputy Director of Inland Waterways at the Ministry, will serve as Secretary.
The committee has been tasked with conducting a thorough review of commercial boat operations in Nigeria, identifying the root causes of boat mishaps, and proposing sustainable solutions.
In his acceptance speech, Oyebamiji assured the Minister of the committee’s dedication to its mandate, stressing that safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways is non-negotiable. He highlighted NIWA’s renewed focus on upholding its safety responsibilities under the leadership of the Minister.
“This is another solution-driven initiative aimed at eliminating boat mishaps on our waterways. I assure you that the confidence reposed in this committee will not be misplaced. At NIWA, this is an opportunity for us to intensify our efforts in reducing marine accidents to the barest minimum. On behalf of my fellow committee members, we pledge to work diligently and with utmost focus on the assigned terms of reference,” Oyebamiji said.
The committee has been given six weeks to complete its assignment and submit its recommendations to enhance safety and operational standards on Nigeria’s waterways.
