In a strategic move to enhance safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the federal government has inaugurated a Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps. This initiative aims to address the alarming rate of boat accidents that have resulted in numerous fatalities and economic losses across the country.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, officially launched the committee during a ceremony at the ministry’s conference room in Abuja. He emphasized the urgent need to improve safety standards on the waterways, considering their critical role in trade, transportation, and the blue economy’s overall development.

A Safety-First Approach to Waterway Transport

Oyetola linked the establishment of the committee to the 2024 International World Maritime Day theme, “Navigating the Future: Safety First.” He highlighted that preventing boat mishaps is essential not just for economic sustainability but also for the protection of lives. “The task before us is daunting, but with unwavering commitment, we can eliminate boat mishaps and ensure that our waterways remain safe, navigable, and prosperous for generations to come,” he stated.

The frequent occurrences of boat mishaps in Nigeria have raised serious concerns regarding maritime safety regulations, vessel maintenance, overloading, poor enforcement of lifejacket usage, and inadequate emergency response systems. The newly formed committee will address these issues by conducting an in-depth assessment of commercial boat operations, identifying accident causes, and proposing long-term solutions.

Key Stakeholders in Waterway Safety

The committee consists of representatives from state governments, the Association of Boat Operators in Nigeria, marine safety specialists, and academia. It will be chaired by Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), with Adams Offie, Deputy Director of Inland Waterways at the Ministry, serving as Secretary.

In his acceptance speech, Oyebamiji acknowledged the critical responsibility placed on the committee, reaffirming their commitment to making waterway safety a top priority. “This is another solution-driven initiative aimed at eliminating boat mishaps on our waterways. The confidence reposed in this committee will not be misplaced,” he assured.

NIWA has been repositioned to intensify safety enforcement and ensure compliance with safety regulations. “Safety on our inland waterways is non-negotiable. NIWA has been refocused to ensure the highest safety standards, and this committee will work diligently to address the root causes of boat mishaps and find lasting solutions,” Oyebamiji added.

Urgent Measures for Immediate Impact

One of the key areas the committee will focus on is strengthening safety regulations for boat operations. This includes:

Enforcing the use of life jackets for all passengers and crew.
Conducting rigorous safety inspections on commercial boats before they set sail.
Establishing stricter penalties for overloading and non-compliance with safety guidelines.
Enhancing emergency response strategies to improve rescue efforts in the event of accidents.
Training and certification programs for boat operators to ensure competency in maritime safety practices.

With the increasing reliance on water transport, particularly in riverine communities, ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo is paramount. The committee has been given six weeks to complete its assignment and submit a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations.

A New Era of Waterway Safety

The federal government’s proactive approach signifies a new era in Nigeria’s waterway safety landscape. If properly implemented, the recommendations from this committee could significantly reduce the number of boat mishaps and instill greater public confidence in water transportation.

Safety professionals and regulatory bodies must collaborate to ensure that maritime safety policies are effectively enforced. With a clear focus on protecting lives, preventing accidents, and maintaining high safety standards, the newly inaugurated committee represents a vital step toward making Nigeria’s inland waterways safer for all users.

ALSO READ: Home Safety: Why You Should Never Use a Chair as a Ladder (Even for 10 Seconds)