Following the recent distribution of life jackets by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to about 12 coastal states, stakeholders in the inland waterways transport sector have called on state authorities to urgently release the safety wears to boat operators and passengers.
The call comes in the wake of recent boat mishaps in Jigawa and Niger states, which claimed many lives and renewed concerns over passenger safety on Nigeria’s waterways.
Shipping Position Daily recalls that a week ago, 13 bodies were recovered and 26 people rescued following a tragic boat mishap that occurred in Gini village, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. Also in Jigawa, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) confirmed the death of four persons and the disappearance of five others, following a tragic canoe mishap in Taura Local Government Area.
Reacting to the tragic loss, stakeholders who spoke with Shipping Position Daily last week maintained that the swift distribution of life jackets, backed by rigorous enforcement and regular safety education, was the most practical way to save lives and reduce accidents on Nigeria’s waterways.
In a chat with our correspondent, the National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Alhaji Gani Tarzan Balogun, expressed worry that despite Federal Government’s intervention, life jackets were yet to reach many operators who need them most.
Speaking on the recent mishaps, Alhaji Balogun described the incidents as unfortunate, noting that while accidents can happen even under the best conditions, preventive measures can significantly reduce casualties.
The ATBOWATON boss revealed that some state chapters, including Lagos and Ogun, have yet to receive the life jackets allocated to them, despite the assurances. According to him, delays have been linked to documentation processes, leaving operators without essential safety equipment.
Alhaji Balogun stressed that recent rough water conditions made strict safety compliance even more important. He urged operators to adopt a zero-tolerance stance towards passengers refusing to use life jackets.
“We appreciate the Federal Government for this gesture, but the state governments need to act fast. From what I have gathered, some states, including Lagos and Ogun, are yet to release these life jackets to operators. The delay is dangerous, especially with the current rough water conditions. “If someone refuses to wear a life jacket, they should not be allowed to board. That has to be the slogan now — No life jacket, no entry” Alhaji Balogun insisted.
Similarly, maritime safety advocate and National Public Relations Officer of the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN), Chief Raymond Gold applauded government’s efforts to provide life jackets, but warned that distribution alone was not enough to prevent future tragedies.
Chief Gold stressed that beyond distributing life jackets, state governments must invest in safety orientation for passengers and establish state-controlled enforcement infrastructure to monitor compliance on inland waterways, especially in states with coastal waters.
The WABOTAN spokesman added that overloading, unsafe refueling practices, and general disregard for safety measures were rampant in rural communities where water transport is a primary means of travel. According to him, the absence of visible enforcement presence emboldens unsafe practices.
Chief Gold said his organisations, WABOTAN and an organization called ‘Sustainable Waterways Advancement and Development Organisation’ (SWAADO), had developed a comprehensive safety and waterways development plan for Niger and Kwara states. However, he lamented that relevant state authorities were yet to act on it.
“In Niger State, life jackets were distributed by agencies like the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), but in the recent Shiroro accident, reports indicate none of the victims wore them. Beyond giving out life jackets, there must be public orientation, stricter enforcement, and penalties for violations,” Gold stressed.
