NIWA Cracks Down on Unlicensed Boat Operations to Boost Waterway Safety
In a
decisive move to curb the alarming rise in fatal boat accidents across Nigeria,
the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has imposed a nationwide ban on
unlicensed boats and unauthorized loading points.
This sweeping directive, announced by NIWA Managing Director Bola Oyebamiji during a press briefing in Abuja, marks a significant shift in the agency’s approach to waterway safety enforcement.
Oyebamiji
emphasized that no commercial passenger boat will be permitted to operate from
any location not officially recognized and registered by NIWA.
The
crackdown also includes the immediate removal of all watercraft lacking proper
certification. Operators found flouting these regulations will face strict
penalties, as the agency seeks to restore order and accountability on Nigeria’s
inland waterways.
The new
safety measures come in response to a disturbing series of boat mishaps that
have claimed dozens of lives in recent months.
Among the
most tragic incidents was the September capsizing on the Kainji Reservoir in
Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, where 27 mourners drowned. Earlier,
similar disasters occurred on the Niger and Shiroro Rivers, as well as in
Sokoto, underscoring the urgent need for reform.
To
further bolster safety, NIWA now mandates that all commercial boat operators
provide lifejackets and enforce their use at all times. Additionally, every
passenger vessel must clearly display its boat name and load line, ensuring
visibility and compliance with operational standards.
Oyebamiji
reiterated that these measures are not merely administrative but life-saving
interventions aimed at protecting passengers and restoring public confidence in
water transport.
As
Nigeria continues to rely on its vast network of rivers and waterways for
commerce and travel, NIWA’s renewed commitment to safety could mark a turning
point in reducing preventable tragedies on the water.
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