The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has ramped up measures to improve safety standards and regulatory oversight on Nigeria’s inland waterways in a nationwide effort to reduce boat accidents and safeguard lives in riverine areas.
Bello Muhammad, NIWA’s Area Manager overseeing Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara states, revealed this during an interview, emphasizing the agency’s dedication to enforcing safety protocols and maintaining orderly water transport operations.
Muhammad noted that NIWA, operating under the Federal Ministry of Innovation and Blue Economy, is legally mandated to regulate inland water transportation, navigation and associated commercial activities nationwide.
He disclosed that the authority has stepped up public awareness initiatives to inform boat operators and passengers about the risks of nighttime travel, vessel overcrowding, and operating watercraft without essential safety gear.
The area manager identified dangerous practices—especially night journeys and disregard for safety protocols—as leading causes of deadly boat incidents across various regions.
To bolster enforcement capabilities, Muhammad announced that NIWA has stationed emergency response units to support river marshals at numerous boarding points under its supervision.
He expressed the agency’s determination to eliminate recurring waterway tragedies through enhanced regulation, consistent monitoring, and partnership with local communities and key stakeholders.
As a safety measure, Muhammad revealed that NIWA has distributed over 3,000 life jackets to boat operators and travelers to minimize fatalities during water emergencies.
Beyond passenger safety, the authority also oversees sand mining operations along river channels to prevent environmental damage, bank erosion, and navigation dangers that could threaten lives and critical infrastructure.
Muhammad further disclosed that NIWA has established standard operating hours for boat services nationwide, limiting water transport to between 6:00am and 6:00pm daily.
He clarified that this regulation aims to reduce hazards linked to limited visibility and unfavorable weather patterns common during non-daylight periods.
The area manager also mandated all boat owners and operators to maintain proper passenger documentation through manifests before departing from any terminal.
He stated that the manifest requirement will facilitate swift identification and emergency response during incidents, reinforcing NIWA’s commitment to making Nigeria’s inland waterways safer, better regulated and economically beneficial for national progress.
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