NIWA BANS UNAUTHORISED LOADING POINTS, ORDERS STRICT SAFETY MEASURES TO CURB BOAT ACCIDENTS
Read Time:1 Minute, 36 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced an immediate ban on all loading activities from unauthorised points across the country as part of new measures to curb frequent boat accidents and improve passenger safety.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, NIWA’s Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, said the directive was necessary to enforce order and reduce recurring tragedies on Nigeria’s waterways.
“NIWA has placed an immediate ban on loading activities from all unauthorised loading points across the country. No commercial passenger boat shall be allowed to load from any point other than those recognised and registered by NIWA,” Oyebamiji declared.
He further directed that all commercial boat operators must provide and enforce the use of life jackets at all times, ensure that boats display their official names and load lines, and withdraw all unlicensed boats and watercraft from service.
“All unlicensed boat drivers and operators are banned from operating any boats or watercraft on the waterways,” he stressed.
The measures come in response to a spate of deadly inland waterway accidents in recent months.
In April, a boat carrying traders capsized on the Niger River in Lapai LGA of Niger State following a sudden storm, leaving several feared drowned.
Another tragedy occurred in July, when a passenger boat loaded with rice, livestock, and about 40 people capsized on the Shiroro River, also in Niger State, killing at least 15, with three still missing.
In August, Sokoto State witnessed two fatal mishaps, including a capsized boat ferrying women, children, and motorcycles to Goronyo market.
The most recent incident happened in September when a wooden boat carrying mourners capsized on the Kainji Reservoir’s Malale River in Borgu LGA, Niger State, killing more than 27 people.
Oyebamiji assured that NIWA will continue strengthening regulations to ensure the safety of waterways users, while urging strict compliance from operators and cooperation from the public.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0