The Lagos Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Engr. Sarat Braimah, has promised to address the ongoing issue of indiscriminate arrests of boat operators by the police, for purchasing fuel in jerry cans, which are often mistaken for involvement in smuggling or illegal bunkering activities.
Shipping Position Daily recalls that as a result of the lingering fuel scarcity and the absence of floating fuel stations, boat operators have been forced to resort to buying fuel in generator tanks, to avoid being arrested by the Police, for allegedly engaging in illegal bunkering and smuggling.
During a sensitization and enforcement drive for the mew Waterways Transportation Code organized by NIWA, the boat operators at various jetties in Lagos last week, raised the issue of the indiscriminate arrests of boat operators at filling stations for buying fuel in Jerry cans, while calling on NIWA to nip the issue in the bud before it escalates.
In her response, Engr. Braimah assured that efforts are underway to find a solution to the problem. She urged all registered associations of boat operators to compile the legitimate names of their members and submit them to the NIWA Lagos Area office for the processing of a permit.
According to the NIWA Lagos Area Manager, this permit would help boat operators avoid unnecessary arrests by Police when purchasing fuel for their operations.
Additionally, Braimah noted that NIWA is in talks with fuel stations across Lagos to ensure adequate fuel supply for boat operators, emphasizing the importance of smooth fuel access to facilitate uninterrupted waterway activities.
“We understand the challenges faced by boat operators, and we are working towards ensuring that legitimate operators are not harassed or wrongly accused. The submission of names for permit processing will go a long way in preventing indiscriminate arrests. We don’t want it to be an all-comers affair but it should be well organized and regulated” Braimah said.
The Lagos Area Manager however stressed that smuggling activities and drug trafficking are offenses punishable by law and any boat operator found culpable will face the full wrath of the law. She emphasized the importance of proper equipment on vessels, noting that all boats must now be equipped with radios for emergency communication. Braimah added that the use of waterway signs must be adhered to, and misusing or mooring vessels on these signs is now a punishable offence.
