NIWA Warns Against Overloading, Night Travel On Waterways

The acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Umar Yusuf Girei, has warned boat operators across the country against overloading and night travel ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Girei gave the warning during an interview with journalists at the NIWA headquarters in Lokoja, stressing that compliance with waterways safety regulations during the festive period remains mandatory.

He noted that festive seasons often witness increased movement on inland waterways, especially within riverine communities, adding that operators must strictly adhere to safety guidelines to prevent accidents.

According to him, overloading of boats will not be tolerated, while the use of life jackets by all passengers and operators remains compulsory.

“No overload, wearing of life jackets is mandatory, no night travel, no alcohol, and operators must ensure proper weather checks before embarking on any journey,” he stated.

The NIWA acting managing director disclosed that enforcement teams, in collaboration with security agencies, would be deployed across jetties nationwide to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations.

He warned that violators risk arrest, seizure of vessels, and prosecution.

Girei also advised passengers to avoid boarding overloaded boats, vessels without adequate life jackets, or boats operating at night.

While extending Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslim faithful, he urged community and religious leaders to help promote waterways safety awareness during sermons and public gatherings.

On the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning aspects of the NIWA Act, Girei urged stakeholders and clients of the Authority not to panic.

He explained that the apex court upheld NIWA’s statutory responsibilities relating to inland waterways navigation, safety regulation, channel management, river infrastructure development, and promotion of inland waterways transportation as contained in Sections 10 and 11 of the NIWA Act.

According to him, Sections 12 and 13 of the Act, which relate to land matters unrelated to maritime activities, were voided only to the extent of their inconsistency with the Constitution.

He therefore urged stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding pending the release of an official statement by NIWA after obtaining the Certified True Copy of the judgment from the Supreme Court.