Minister pledges security on inland waterways

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing safety and security on Nigeria’s inland waterways amidst concerns over a recent spike in accidents.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Oyetola outlined a series of interventions aimed at addressing safety issues and preventing further mishaps.

He said, “We genuinely sympathise with the families of the victims. As a ministry, we are doing everything possible to avoid a repeat of the sad accidents. With the cooperation of the states, these accidents will become things of the past by the grace of God.

“In our bid to protect the lives and goods of commuters on the nation’s waterways, we have ensured that the Transportation Code, 2023, was gazetted.

“To give a bite to the code, within the last four months, we have launched and increased the number of our water marshals from 80 to 350 personnel to manage major flashpoints across the nation.

“These officers have been directed to begin 24-hour surveillance across major jetties and loading points within the inland waterways.”
Oyetola also announced the commissioning of 15 new boats, including security patrol and enforcement vessels, alongside three fully equipped water ambulances and other assets.

He stressed the importance of collaboration with states and private organisations to strengthen efforts in ensuring accident-free waterways.

“The states of the Federation and other critical stakeholders present here all have strategic roles to play if we are to achieve the desired result of keeping our inland waters safe for maximum economic gains,” he added.

Oyetola reiterated that the illegal use of unregistered crafts, overloading, night sailing, and failure to use life-saving equipment such as life jackets would no longer be tolerated.

He noted, “It is illegal to use unregistered crafts on our waters. Every boat operator must be registered and certified by the relevant authorities. Overloading of goods and passengers is prohibited. Night sailing beyond 6 pm and failure to use life-saving gear such as life jackets are against the law.”

The Managing Director and CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji, praised Oyetola’s leadership and highlighted NIWA’s ongoing initiatives to ensure safer waterways.

In his address, Oyebamiji noted that NIWA had deployed operational assets, including safety equipment, and increased personnel to improve the safety of commuters.

“We have brought on board more hands to strengthen our presence on the inland waters. So far, 350 Water Marshals have been positioned to sensitise boat operators and passengers across different loading platforms,” Oyebamiji said.

He also emphasised the importance of removing impediments to navigation, realigning buoys, and improving infrastructure through the implementation of the 2024 Capital Budget.

However, Oyebamiji stressed that collaboration with state governments was essential to achieving the desired results.

“Transportation on the inland waterways deserves greater attention than road transportation,” he said.

Oyebamiji added that inland waterways have a greater capacity for transporting passengers and goods at lower costs.

He called on state commissioners of transportation to support NIWA’s efforts by contributing to training, constructing jetties, and providing standardised boats.