Maritime stakeholders have called for stricter safety regulations, improved infrastructure, and enhanced enforcement measures to tackle frequent boat mishaps on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
This was the central focus of a one-day consultative forum organized by the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN) in Lagos over the weekend. The forum, themed “Strategies to Prevent Boat Mishaps” brought together representatives from government agencies, private operators, unions, and advocacy groups to identify challenges in water transport safety and develop actionable solutions.
Speaking on behalf of NIWA, the Lagos Area Office Head of Marine, Engr. Elsie Egwatu detailed the agency’s efforts to improve safety on inland waterways. She noted that NIWA has intensified boat captain certification programs, routine vessel inspections, and enhanced search-and-rescue operations to mitigate risks.
Engr. Egwatu also highlighted ongoing collaborations with stakeholders to promote adherence to safety regulations. She further reiterated the importance of community engagement and safety awareness campaigns, urging passengers to take responsibility for their safety by adhering to basic safety protocols, including the use of life jackets.
In his welcome address, WABOTAN Lagos State Chairman who was represented by his Vice Chairman , Captain Bewaji Olayinka Olajuwon, emphasized the need for collective action, stating that ensuring safety on inland waterways is a shared responsibility.
Presenting data on boat accidents in 2024, the Western Zone District Surveyor of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Engr. Kiniyi Edubio revealed that 787 deaths were recorded across Lagos, Rivers, Niger, and Borno States. He attributed the incidents to factors such as the use of unseaworthy boats, overloading, night sailing, and poor visibility.
Engr. Edubio highlighted NIMASA’s interventions, including the registration and licensing of boats, public awareness campaigns, and the deployment of safety marshals to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
On his part, Engr. Sunday Ukeme of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) identified human error, mechanical failures, and poor infrastructure as major contributors to accidents. He stressed the need for standardized boat designs, real-time monitoring systems, and upgraded jetty facilities.
Representing the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Paul Nwang called for improved synergy between NIMASA and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to strengthen enforcement.
Speaking on behalf of the Private sector, Barrister Dorcas Aderemi, Managing Director of GTCOOP Global Alliance, advocated for stricter enforcement of safety protocols, including mandatory life jackets and routine compliance checks for boat operators. She also emphasized the importance of financial investment in vessel maintenance to prevent mechanical failures.
Similarly, Chief Raymond Gold, representing the Sustainable Waterways Awareness Advancement and Advocacy Organization (SWAAADO), urged the government to prioritize water transport safety by providing high-quality life jackets, upgrading jetties, and implementing stricter operational guidelines for boat operators.
