The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is set to launch a nationwide campaign to translate the provisions its safety regulations code into local languages, aiming to reduce accidents and improve compliance across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The translation of the NIWA Safety Code into local languages is expected to significantly enhance awareness and compliance among boat operators in rural and remote areas, contributing to safer inland waterways and supporting NIWA’s goal of zero boat mishaps nationwide.
Speaking with Shipping Position Daily at the sidelines of a recent award investiture ceremony of the immediate past Managing Director of NIWA, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, as the “Most Media Friendly Maritime CEO” in Abuja last week, a member of the NIWA Board, Captain Tajudeen Alao emphasized that public education is as important as enforcement.
Captain Alao noted that while the law prescribes penalties for offenders, many boat operators in remote areas remain unaware of the rules due to language barriers. He noted that NIWA plans to collaborate with local governments, unions, and cooperatives to ensure that the Act and safety codes are widely disseminated and understood.
The campaign he said will also include educational programs on the risks of overloading, unsafe boat designs, and neglecting safety equipment.
Captain Alao also stressed the ongoing government campaign to phase out wooden boats in favor of stronger, safer fiber boats. He acknowledged the socio-economic challenges, noting that rural boat owners may not immediately afford fiber vessels, but education and better boat design remain critical steps.
“The law is the law. But you need to educate the people. How many of them in places like Sokoto or Maiduguri are aware of the code of conduct? In how many languages has it been translated? We must reach the grassroots so they understand the consequences of negligence.” Captain Alao said.
Also speaking with our correspondent last week, the acting Managing Director of NIWA, Engr. Umar Yusuf Girei noted that the NIWA Act includes penalties for violations such as overloading, unsafe vessel conditions, and non-use of life jackets.
However, enforcement alone, according to Engr. Girei is not enough. He noted that the initiative complements NIWA’s enforcement efforts, adding that NIWA has deployed marshals across all waterfronts, extending patrol hours beyond the usual 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. shift to ensure compliance during night operations.
The Acting MD emphasized NIWA’s commitment to achieving a zero-tolerance policy on boat mishaps, noting that the authority aims for an all-year-round reduction in accidents. “We are targeting a year-round, mishap-free water transport system. We seek the federal government’s support to provide the necessary resources and incentives to meet this objective,” Engr. Girei added.
When questioned about enforcement under NIWA Safety Code, he confirmed that culprits involved in boat accidents are apprehended, prosecuted, and appropriately fined. “Most offenders have been charged to court, and penalties have been applied as required,” he said.
Engr. Girei also highlighted that the interventions have led to a significant reduction in incidents, with some areas reporting up to a 70% decrease in accidents, marking a positive step towards safer inland waterway transport in Nigeria.
