The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has urged Nigerians to shun substandard and poorl- maintained boats, even as it appealed to the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the Coast Guard Bill to bolster safety and security on the nation’s waterways.
This call was made by NIWA’s Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, during a technical meeting with boat manufacturers in Abuja. He stressed the urgent need for legislative action to enhance waterway safety and security, particularly in light of the recent boat mishap along the River Benue route in Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State, on December 16, 2024, which claimed multiple lives.
Addressing the rising frequency of boat accidents, Mr. Oyebamiji attributed 90% of these incidents to human error, citing lack of professionalism and training among boat operators. He also revealed alarming cases of boat drivers operating under the influence of intoxicants.
“I was at a training session with some boat drivers and discovered that many of them are not only untrained, but also intoxicated in the early hours of the day. This is unacceptable, and we are working tirelessly to address these issues,” Mr. Oyebamiji stated.
To combat the prevalent use of substandard wooden boats, NIWA is intensifying its partnership with indigenous boat builders to phase out such unsafe vessels. The collaboration focuses on introducing safer, modern boats that adhere to global standards.
“We are actively working with indigenous boat builders to replace wooden boats with durable, safer alternatives,” Mr. Oyebamiji noted. “This initiative is vital to eliminating unsafe practices and ensuring the safety of passengers.”
NIWA has also launched extensive sensitization campaigns across riverine communities, educating residents on the dangers of unsafe boats and emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety protocols. However, the agency insists that legislative backing is crucial for long-term success.
“We have visited numerous riverine villages and cities to advocate for safety on our waterways,” Mr. Oyebamiji explained. “But for us to achieve comprehensive safety and security, the National Assembly must prioritize and pass the Coastal Guards Bill. This will equip us with the necessary tools to regulate and secure our waterways effectively.”
Reaffirming its commitment to passenger safety, NIWA called for collaborative efforts from boat operators, passengers, and policymakers to prevent future tragedies. The agency’s strategic focus remains on improving water transportation infrastructure and ensuring adherence to safety standards across Nigeria’s waterways.
