The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has stepped up efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal jetties and unsafe water transport operations nationwide, announcing plans to deepen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to strengthen enforcement and improve safety across the country’s inland waterways.
Speaking at a recent media briefing in Lagos, the Chairman of the NIWA Governing Board, Mukhtar Shehu Shagari said that the agency has identified illegal jetties and non-compliance with water transportation regulations as major challenges undermining safety and orderly operations on inland waterways.
He said that discussions had already commenced on securing additional support from the Nigeria Police Force to complement the efforts of NIWA marshals in enforcing existing regulations and ensuring that operators comply with safety standards.
“In fact, only yesterday, we discussed the need to get more policemen to assist our marshals so that we can ensure everything is done according to the law. We want NIWA to carry out its responsibilities effectively and ensure that operators comply with established regulations,” he said.
According to him, addressing illegal jetties and unsafe operations forms part of the Authority’s broader strategy to reduce waterway accidents and improve public confidence in water transportation.
Shagari also expressed concern over the continued use of old and unseaworthy boats by some operators, describing many of the vessels currently in operation as outdated and unsafe.
He said that NIWA was exploring measures to facilitate the acquisition of modern boats and ferries while gradually phasing out unsafe vessels that pose risks to passengers and cargo.
“We are going to phase out unsafe and outdated vessels. If we want safer waterways, we must provide better alternatives. The lives of Nigerians are extremely important and safety remains our priority,” he stated.
“The Authority would sustain and improve upon the safety initiatives introduced by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and previous leadership of NIWA. These initiatives include the enforcement of life jacket usage, restrictions on night travel, promotion of fibre boats, and stricter compliance with water transportation safety regulations,” he assured the stakeholders.
Shagari stressed that achieving full compliance would require stronger enforcement mechanisms, additional personnel and continuous public enlightenment.
“We are not going back on the gains already achieved. We want to build on them and do even better. With the support of the Minister, security agencies, stakeholders and the media, we believe we can significantly improve safety on our waterways,” he said.
(The Sun)