NIWA Bans Unauthorized Loading Points to Curb Boat Accidents

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has ordered an immediate halt to boat loading at unauthorized points across the country, a move aimed at reducing accidents and improving safety on Nigeria’s waterways.

Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, announced the directive during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to him: “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. It is mandatory for all commercial boat operators to provide and enforce the use of lifejackets on the boats always. Every commercial passenger boat must properly display its Boat Name Letters and Load line.”

He further directed that “all unlicensed boats and watercraft be removed from the waterways.”

In addition, Oyebamiji declared: “All unlicensed boat drivers and operators are banned from operating any boats or watercraft on the waterways.”

The decision comes in the wake of repeated tragedies on Nigeria’s inland waterways. In August, more than 40 people were reported missing after a boat mishap in Sokoto, while about a year earlier, at least 16 farmers lost their lives when a wooden canoe capsized while ferrying them to their rice fields.

Experts have long pointed to poor regulation and disregard for safety rules as key factors behind the recurring accidents.