NIWA Cracks Down on Unauthorized Boat Operations to Enhance Waterway Safety
The National Inland Waterways Authority has announced an immediate ban on loading activities from unauthorized points across Nigeria, aiming to curb boat accidents and improve safety on the country’s inland waterways.
According to NIWA’s Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, the new directives are designed to address the growing concerns over waterway safety.
The authority has made it mandatory for all commercial boat operators to provide and enforce the use of lifejackets on boats at all times.
Every commercial passenger boat must also properly display its Boat Name Letters and Load Line. Furthermore, all unlicensed boats and watercraft will be removed from the waterways, and unlicensed boat drivers and operators are prohibited from operating any boats or watercraft on the waterways.
This decision comes amid a series of deadly inland waterway accidents in recent months, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures.
NIWA’s efforts to improve waterway safety include deploying water marshals across different loading and offloading points and increasing personnel to enhance surveillance and enforcement.
The authority emphasizes the importance of compliance with transportation codes, stating that enforcement is non-negotiable
