The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has intensified safety awareness efforts for boat operators and passengers in Niger State, aiming to reduce boat accidents and promote safe water travel.
The awareness campaign tagged; “Safety and Safe Trip-Zero Tolerance to Boat Mishap”, took place yesterday in Zumba, Shiroro local government area of the state.
Area Manager of NIWA in charge of Niger and Kwara area office, Mr Akapo Adeboye, said the exercise was part of the agency’s continuous efforts to ensure strict adherence to safety regulations on the waterways.
Adeboye said the campaign aimed to reduce boat mishaps and ensure compliance with inland waterways regulations, with a strict message of “No Life Jacket, No Boarding.”
He added that the awareness exercise was carried out in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Marine Police and local boat unions.
Adeboye said the campaign included the distribution of life jackets to boat operators and passengers.
“We are here as a taskforce for the safety of lives and property.
“We have life jackets for both adults and children, and our message is clear: no life jacket, no boarding, no overloading, no speeding, and no night travel”, he said.
He emphasised that NIWA has zero tolerance for non-use of life jackets, noting that offenders would face sanctions, including seizure of boats and possible prosecution.
Adeboye appreciated the support of the Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for their commitment to promoting water safety.
Head of NEMA Operations in the state, Mr Hussaini Isah, expressed concern over the rising number of boat mishaps in riverine areas such as Shiroro and New Bussa, which had led to loss of lives and livelihoods.
Isah said NEMA would continue to support NIWA in its sensitisation and enforcement drive, stressing that awareness creation was key to reducing fatalities on waterways.
“People must understand the importance of wearing life jackets, and boat owners must ensure proper maintenance of their boats to avoid accidents,” he said.
In his remarks, Alhaji Sala Altine, chairman of Boat Drivers in Zumba, commended NIWA and its partners for the sensitisation and urged stronger collaboration among NIWA, SEMA, and the Marine Police.
“We have been sensitising our people, but we need the government’s backing to start arresting violators.
“Full enforcement would be easier once the state domesticates the National Inland Waterways law,” he said.(NAN)
