By Joshua Yousouph
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has reported zero boat accidents in Lagos for the second quarter of 2024. This is even as stakeholders have attributed this unprecedented safety record to a significant decline in waterways ridership, driven by economic challenges.
Findings by Shipping Position Daily have earlier revealed that no fewer than 100 persons died in boat mishaps during the first quarter of 2024 in different parts of the country. Also, the President of Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria, Barrister Mfon Usoro had disclosed that the institute investigated the incessant cases of boat mishaps in Nigeria and discovered that over 300 lives were lost on the waterways in 2023.
However, checks by our correspondent revealed that between April and June 2024, there were no recorded cases of boat accidents or mishaps on Lagos waterways. This was confirmed by the NIWA Lagos Area Office.
In an exclusive chat with the NIWA Lagos Area Manager, Engr. Sarat Braimah, she stated that there were no recorded boat mishaps in Lagos during the second quarter of 2024. She said this milestone is attributed to intensified sensitization efforts targeting boat operators and skippers, aimed at enhancing safety practices on the waterways.
Engr. Braimah noted that NIWA held series of safety sensitization programmes in March, 2024 for boat captains, deck hands, boat owners and other stakeholders to ensure proper training and licensing for all boat captains advocating for cooperative efforts among boating associations to actively adhere to safety regulations on Lagos inland waterways.
According to the NIWA Lagos Area Manager, there have been several constant safety awareness and sentisitization programmes conducted by officials of the agency which had led to the drastic reduction of mishaps on Lagos waterways.
In her words: “There is no case of boat mishap in the second quarter. We have been engaging in the sensitization of boat operators and boat skippers which has greatly led to the drastic reduction of boat mishaps on our waterways in Lagos this second quarter.”
However, stakeholders who spoke to Shipping Position Daily last week, noted that the reduction in boat mishaps in Lagos waterways can be attributed to a decline in waterways ridership driven by economic challenges and operational inefficiencies that have deterred many commuters from using this mode of transport.
On his part, the Lagos state chapter Secretary of Association of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Mr Ayomikun Aworetan provided an insight into the declining ridership on the city’s waterways, acknowledging that while the government has made significant efforts to improve infrastructure, including better roads and the commissioning of new boats, other factors continue to hinder the growth of waterway usage.
Aworetan stressed that current economic realities play a significant role in the reduced use of ferries and boats in the state. He said the high cost of boat fares, ranging from N1,500 to N2,500 per trip, poses a significant financial burden on daily commuters.
The ATBOWATON scribe said these economic constraints have led to a drastic reduction in waterway activities. He explained that routes that previously saw heavy traffic, such as those to Badagry, have significantly declined. According to him, there used to be 10 to 15 boats operating from CMS, Liverpool, and Kirikiri to Badagry or Port Norvo, now there are barely are three boats at CMS, and sometimes, none at all.
Aworetan emphasized that reducing the costs of fuel and boat operations would likely increase ridership. Better and safer boats could lead to a significant rise in waterway usage, compared to the current situation.
Also speaking, the Liverpool Unit Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Ayeyemi Omosuyi confirmed that the second quarter of the year 2024 has seen no accidents on the Lagos waterways.
Omosuyi said despite this positive development, the waterways have experienced a decline in passenger numbers, primarily due to the recent fuel price hike. He noted that while their services remain operationally sound, the increase in fuel costs has led to fewer passengers opting for boat travel.
According to him, the fare from Liverpool to Badagry currently stands at N3,500, whereas vehicles charge a much lower fare of N1,500 for the same journey. He stressed that this stark difference in pricing has made road travel more attractive to passengers, especially given the high cost of living.
However, Omosuyi informed that some passengers still prefer waterway transportation despite the higher fares to avoid the heavy traffic on the roads, prioritizing a faster and more efficient journey over the cost difference.
On the contrary, the National Public Relations Officer of Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria Waters (WABOTAN), Chief Raymond Gold emphasized that despite challenges, people continue to utilize waterway transport, particularly for shorter journeys where it offers a viable alternative to road congestion.
Gold attributed the decline in boat mishaps in Lagos State, to increased safety awareness and training initiatives. He stressed that both the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) have acknowledged and commended these efforts while attributing the relative safety on Lagos waterways to these proactive measures.
Addressing concerns about traffic jams on Lagos roads exacerbated by the rainy season, Gold highlighted the ongoing relevance of waterway travel as a solution to commuting woes. “People are still using the waterways as a way out of traffic jams,
“We have been actively raising awareness among drivers and passengers alike. For instance, in our recent training on April 6th, we focused on the dangers of overloading and proper use of life jackets, including not relying solely on the whistle attached to the jacket in emergencies. Many past mishaps were due to human error. With improved awareness and training, both drivers and passengers are now more cautious, minimizing accidents.” Gold affirmed.
