Avoid Rickety Boats, Drunk Operators, NIWA Warns Nigerians

In furtherance of its efforts to ensure safety on Nigeria’s waterways, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has again warned water transportation users to steer clear of substandard, poorly maintained boats and operators who consume intoxicants.

The Managing Director of NIWA, Mr Bola. Oyebamiji, also expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of boat accidents, attributing 90% of these mishaps to human error.

Speaking at a technical meeting with boat manufacturers in Abuja, NIWA’s Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji emphasized the urgent need for the National Assembly to pass the Coastal Guards Bill into law to improve safety and security on Nigeria’s waterways.

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The call comes in the wake of the December 16, 2024, tragic boat mishap along the River Benue route in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, which claimed several lives.

Oyebamiji said the low level of professionalism among some boat operators had become a major source of worry, revealing that many drivers lack proper training and operated their boats under the influence of intoxicants.

“I was at a training session with some boat drivers and discovered that we have a long way to go in this country,” Oyebamiji said.

“Many of our boat operators are not only untrained but get inside the boats already intoxicated even in the early hours of the day. This is unacceptable, and we are working tirelessly to address these issues.

“To tackle the challenges posed by substandard wooden boats, NIWA has intensified its collaboration with indigenous boat builders to phase out these boats from the system. The initiative aims to encourage the production and use of safer, modern boats that meet global standards. This effort is part of NIWA’s broader strategy to improve the quality of water transportation and enhance safety.

“We are actively working with indigenous boat builders to replace wooden boats with durable, safer alternatives,” Oyebamiji noted.

“This collaboration is key to eliminating unsafe practices and ensuring the long-term safety of passengers on our waterways.”

“Additionally, NIWA has intensified its sensitization campaigns across various riverine communities to raise awareness about the dangers of using unsafe boats and to promote adherence to safety protocols. However, Mr. Oyebamiji stressed that these efforts need to be supported by legislative backing.

“We have visited numerous riverine villages and cities to advocate for safety on our waterways,” he said.

“But for us to achieve comprehensive safety and security, we appeal to the National Assembly to help prioritize and pass the Coastal Guards Bill. This will equip us with the necessary tools to regulate and secure our waterways effectively,” Oyebamiji pointed out.

NIWA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers using the country’s waterways, calling for collective efforts from boat operators, passengers, and policymakers to prevent future tragedies,” Oyebamiji pointed out.