The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has called on riverine communities in Niger to adhere strictly to waterways regulations to prevent boat mishaps and ensure safety on inland waterways.
Mr Akapo Adeboye, Area Manager in charge of NIWA, Niger and Kwara, made the call during a sensiststaion campaign at Zumba market in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state on Monday.
The campaign is tagged “Safety and Safety Trip: Zero Tolerance to Boat Mishap, No Life Jacket, No Boarding
Adeboye explained that the campaign was organised for boat operators and passengers in anticipation of rising water levels due to predicted heavy rainfall forecast by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
He said that the sensitisation aimed to enhance safety on Nigerian’s waterways, protect lives and livelihoods of Nigerians who rely on inland waterways for transportation.
He added that the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives of Nigerians.
“The reason behind organising the 2025 sensitisation campaigns on safety of lives and property on inland waterways regulations is to ensure compliance and reduce accidents.
“We urge everyone to take safety seriously and comply with the regulations to avoid accidents occasioned by boat mishaps,” he said.
He attributed the significant reduction in water mishaps in Niger over the past year to sustained sensitisation and enforcement of water transport regulatory measures across all water fronts in the state.
He appealed to residents to adhere to safety measures and regulations to reduce boats accidents, adding that the agency would not tolerate disregard for water transport regulations, especially the use of life jackets.
Adeboye, however, commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola and the Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji for their commitment to ensuring safety on inland waterways.
In his remarks, Alhaji Aliyu Yerima, Chairman of the Boat Owners and Freshwater Users Association in Shiroro, described the sensitisation campaign and donation of life jackets to operators as timely.
He noted that it would safeguard the lives and properties of rural farmers as well as enhance waterway safety.
Highlight of the sensiststaion was inauguration of waterways marshals at the Zumba waterfront to enforce water transport regulatory measures.
