By Abbas Nazil
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced plans to phase out aging wooden commercial boats operating on Nigeria’s waterways and replace them with modern fibre-operated boats.
The initiative aims to enhance passenger safety and significantly reduce the frequency of boat mishaps.
Speaking in Lokoja, Kogi State, during the agency’s annual management retreat, NIWA’s Managing Director/CEO, Bola Oyebamiji, emphasized that ensuring the safety of passengers remains the organization’s top priority.
Oyebamiji stated that the transition from wooden boats to fibre-operated vessels would take effect between the first and second quarters of the year.
He clarified that the move was not primarily about imposing sanctions on operators of older boats but rather about minimizing accidents and safeguarding the lives of passengers.
“We don’t want boat mishaps again.
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Our main target is to ensure passengers’ safety on our inland waterways,” he said.
To further promote safety awareness, NIWA plans to embark on advocacy campaigns targeting riverine communities.
These visits are to educate residents and key stakeholders on best practices for water transportation and ensure strict compliance with safety regulations.
The agency is also ramping up training programs for divers and boat operators to enhance their skills in managing passenger safety.
In his address, Oyebamiji reassured workers that NIWA is committed to providing the necessary resources and motivation to improve operational efficiency.
He expressed optimism that with the agency’s renewed focus on safety and operational improvements, there would be significant progress in revenue generation from its nationwide offices.
The retreat, attended by NIWA’s area managers, deputy managers, union leaders, and security personnel, focused on strategies to improve the safety and efficiency of Nigeria’s inland water transport system.
