The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has commenced a major sensitization and enforcement drive for the Waterways Transportation Code in Lagos, a critical move aimed at improving safety and regulation on the state’s busy waterways.
The NIWA Lagos Area Manager, Engr. Sarat Braimah launched the initiative at various jetties in Lagos on Thursday to ensure that boat captains, operators, and passengers are fully-aware of the new safety measures now in place and the strict penalties for non-compliance.
During the sensitization programme, Engr. Braimah explained that the code, which has been officially gazetted into law, is designed to address critical safety concerns across Lagos’ waterways. She emphasized the importance of making all waterway users aware of the new regulations.
The sensitization campaign focuses on communicating the major aspects of the code, which include measures such as the mandatory registration of vessels, the prohibition of overloading boats, and the compulsory use of life jackets for all passengers. According to Engr Braimah these provisions, which were previously issued as advisory warnings, are now enforceable by law stressing that enforcement will be strict, with violators facing severe consequences.
The timing of the enforcement is particularly significant as it coincides with the “Ember Months,” a period of increased waterway traffic due to seasonal festivities. Engr. Braimah stressed that heightened safety measures are crucial during this time, when more people are using the waterways to travel to various events.
As part of the sensitization efforts, NIWA officials visited several key jetties and boat clubs across Lagos, targeting different categories of boat operators and passengers. These visits include exclusive areas such as the Lagos Motor Club, where high-end boat owners were sensitized, and mid-tier jetties like Bis Garden Jetty and Affis Jetty, where the focus was on engaging middle-class boat owners and operators.
NIWA also extended its sensitization efforts to more public jetties such as Ebute Ero, Falomo Jetty (which also houses the Lagos State Waterways Authority headquarters), and Maroko Jetty. Additionally, teams were deployed to jetties in Badagry, Apapa, and Ikorodu, ensuring that the message of compliance reached a wide audience across Lagos.
To reinforce the enforcement of the Waterways Transportation Code, NIWA has deployed 76 river marshals across Lagos’ jetties, working in collaboration with 72 personnel from the Nigerian Navy. These marshals are tasked with monitoring compliance and maintaining law and order on the waterways.
In addition to the marshals, NIWA’s police command has also been integrated into the enforcement efforts, with personnel receiving twice-weekly training to uphold high standards of law enforcement and safety practices.
The Lagos Area Manager also underscored the importance of proper equipment on vessels, noting that all boats must now be equipped with radios for emergency communication. She added that the use of waterway signs must be adhered to, and misusing or mooring vessels on these signs is now a punishable offense.
In her words: “This code has been launched officially at our headquarters, and now we’re here to let boat captains, operators, and passengers know that it’s in effect. It’s important for everyone using our waterways to understand that there is now a law, and any violation will result in penalties.
“We don’t want any casualties on our waterways. That’s why we’re visiting jetties across Lagos to ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities” Braimah noted.
