By Joshua Yousouph
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), in collaboration with the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), has sensitised residents and waterway users in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on safety protocols and the need to protect the city’s cultural heritage.
The sensitisation campaign, held at the Ago Ika Jetty in Abeokuta, formed part of activities marking the 2026 Annual YEMOJA Festival.
Speaking at the event, the Abeokuta Area Manager of NIWA, Engr. Segun Ipinmoroti, said the campaign was aimed at ensuring that the celebration of cultural heritage did not compromise safety on the waterways.
“As we are celebrating our cultural heritage, we are maintaining safety protocols on the waterways. We are here to pass a message of total safety,” Ipinmoroti said.
He stressed that every passenger must wear a life jacket before boarding a boat, while warning operators and passengers against night sailing and operating boats under the influence of alcohol.
According to him, strict compliance with safety guidelines before, during and after the festival remained essential to preventing avoidable accidents and loss of lives on the waterways.
He urged boat operators and members of the community to make safety a priority throughout the festivities, noting that adherence to established protocols was critical to sustaining safe inland water transportation.
Also speaking, the National President of ATBOWATON, Mr Ganiu Balogun, commended NIWA for its efforts towards improving safety in Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Balogun disclosed that the association had adopted a strict “No life jacket, no entry” policy at jetties in collaboration with River Marshalls deployed by NIWA.
He, however, appealed to the Federal and Ogun State Governments to provide more life jackets to boat operators, stressing that increased availability of the safety equipment would further strengthen efforts to protect passengers and operators on the waterways.
The event was attended by the immediate past Vice President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), South West, Mr Kayode Kolade, as well as community members and other stakeholders.
