NIWA Enforces Strict Safety Measures, Bans Unlicensed Boat Operators Following Accidents

In response to recent fatal boat incidents, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced a comprehensive ban on all unlicensed boat operators and watercraft across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

The Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, made the declaration in Abuja on Tuesday, outlining new mandatory safety protocols intended to reduce accidents and improve passenger security. Key measures include an immediate prohibition on loading from any unauthorized jetties, compulsory use of life jackets for all commercial passengers, and the removal of all unregistered vessels from the waterways.

Oyebamiji emphasized the critical need for a dedicated Coastal Guard unit to enforce safety compliance, a responsibility he noted currently exceeds the capacity of local water marshals and community leaders. He clarified that the proposed Coast Guard would operate without duplicating the roles of existing agencies like the Navy or Marine Police, focusing solely on inland waterway regulation.

The agency also reinforced collaborations with the Marine Police and Nigerian Navy to enforce bans on overloading and night travel, specifically prohibiting passenger movements between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adeboyega Oyetola, was acknowledged for distributing 45,000 life jackets across 12 states. Oyebamiji stressed that the “no life jacket, no boarding” rule will be strictly implemented, underscoring the life-saving importance of the gear with an anecdote from a recent Sokoto mishap.

NIWA urged state governments, particularly those in riverine areas to support safety campaigns, operator training, and the development of landing facilities and modern ferries.