NIWA PLANS TO RECRUIT 800 WATER MARSHALS AFTER BANNING UNLICENSED BOATS

Read Time:1 Minute, 47 Second

By Shodayo Sunmisola Michael

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced that initiatives are in progress to recruit and deploy approximately 800 water marshals across the nation by December.

The recruitment effort, as stated by the Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, is part of a strategy to enhance safety and regulation on Nigeria’s waterways.

During a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, Oyebamiji indicated that this initiative aims to mitigate frequent boat accidents, enforce the mandatory use of life jackets, and monitor unauthorized loading areas.

He noted that one of the key responsibilities of the water marshals will be to educate passengers and operators regarding safe navigation practices.

“The Federal Government is undertaking commendable efforts in water safety. We possess all the necessary equipment to promote safety.

“We currently have between 350 and 450 water marshals, and our objective is to bolster this number to ensure that authorized jetties throughout the country are staffed with multiple marshals to uphold safety regulations.

“All essential equipment and navigational aids are supplied, and we intend to increase the presence of both police and marshals to oversee our waterways, as current numbers are insufficient.

MARMOUSH RULED OUT OF MANCHESTER DERBY WITH KNEE INJURY

“We are striving to elevate the figure to 800 by the year’s end, provided we secure adequate funding,” he stated.

Oyebamiji mentioned that there are approximately four to five monitoring teams, including task forces, actively deployed across all waterways, particularly in riverine regions, to supplement the efforts of the water marshals.

He urged boat users to comply with safety protocols and instructions issued by water marshals prior to departure for their own protection and well-being.

According to him, boat users must abandon superstitions related to water safety and adhere to scientifically established safety guidelines, particularly the use of life jackets, which significantly enhance survival chances during accidents.

He also called upon the National Assembly to expedite the enactment of the Coastal Guard Bill to reinforce maritime safety.

Oyebamiji further stressed the necessity of collaboration with riverine state governments to improve water safety standards.