Abuja: The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced a ban on all unauthorised boat loading points throughout the country, in an effort to enhance safety and reduce boat mishaps. The authority is also advocating for the passage of the Coastal Guards Bill to further improve water safety measures.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director of NIWA, highlighted the new regulations during a news conference in Abuja. He stated that commercial passenger boats would only be permitted to load from points recognised and registered by NIWA. Oyebamiji emphasized the mandatory provision and enforcement of life jackets on all commercial boats and the need for boats to display their Boat Name Letters and Load lines. He also announced a ban on unlicensed boat drivers and operators from using waterways.
NIWA is committed to ensuring safe waterways by continuously removing aquatic waste and other impediments that could hinder safe navigation. Oyebamiji revealed that the number of water marshals had been increased from 80 to 350 personnel to provide safety tips to passengers and enforce the ‘No Life Jacket, No Boarding’ regulations. Passenger manifests have been introduced at area offices to record passenger information for safety and administrative purposes.
Efforts to ensure safe navigation have been bolstered by the installation of marine navigational buoys, hydrographic surveys, and intensified training of boat operators. Oyebamiji reported that successful rescue operations have been attributed to the use of lifejackets and improved emergency response times due to reactivated rescue teams.
Oyebamiji stressed the importance of establishing a coastal guard law to enhance monitoring and rapid response to accidents on the waterways. He noted that recent measures had reduced accidents and fatalities on inland waterways by over 70 percent. However, he believes that the establishment of Coastal Guards would further strengthen enforcement efforts.
Plans are in place to collaborate with the Marine Police and Nigerian Navy on enforcing bans on overloading and night sailing. NIWA is also seeking partnerships with riverine state governments to promote safety campaigns, train operators, and provide life jackets and modern passenger ferries. The authority remains committed to engaging with regional governments on safety awareness and training initiatives.
