National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has embarked on compulsory wearing of life jackets while boarding a boat, saying ‘No life jacket, no boarding’ across riverine communities in Lokoja local government area to reduce casualties in the event of boat accidents.
The managing director (MD) of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, stated this on Wednesday in Lokoja during the enforcement exercise.
Represented by the manager of the Lokoja Area Office, Engr. Titus Adoga, at the Ganja Waterfront, he said, “We have decided to embark on the enforcement exercise to ensure that everyone plying or crossing through boats must put on his or her life jacket. ”
He said the authority had earlier carried out a public enlightenment and sensitisation campaign through radio stations to inform boat operators about the hazards and make it compulsory for passengers to wear life jackets before boarding any boat.
Engr. Adoga explained that the NIWA enforcement team is now physically on the ground checking the boat operators and passengers to ensure compliance and reduce accidents.
“There have been so many casualties during boat accidents because of the non-use of life jackets. This is very important because people come from everywhere for business, and we are working to ensure that all lives and properties are safe. We urge everyone to take this safety measure seriously and comply with the regulations to reduce casualties occasioned by boat mishaps,” he said.
The area manager attributed the significant reduction in water mishaps in Lokoja recently due to sustained sensitisation and enforcement of water transport regulatory measures across all water fronts, while stating that the agency will not tolerate disregard for water transport regulations, especially the use of life jackets.
He revealed that some defaulters have been arrested and taken to the NIWA area office in Lokoja for further investigation and appropriate sanctions.
