In a decisive move to stem the tide of deadly boat accidents, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has outlawed all unapproved loading points across Nigeria’s waterways.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, NIWA’s managing director, Bola Oyebamiji, said commercial boats will now only be allowed to take off from designated and registered jetties.
“It is mandatory for all commercial boat operators to provide and enforce the use of life jackets on the boats always,” Oyebamiji stressed, warning that unlicensed operators and vessels would be cleared from the waterways.
The announcement comes amid growing concern over recurring boat mishaps that have claimed dozens of lives in riverine communities.
Beyond shutting down illegal jetties, NIWA rolled out stricter safety measures:
Life jackets must be worn at all times on passenger boats.
Boat names and load lines must be visibly displayed.
Unlicensed drivers and operators are banned from the waterways.
To reinforce compliance, the agency has boosted its water marshals from 80 to 350 officers, who will now brief passengers before departure and enforce the “no life jacket, no boarding” rule. Passenger manifests have also been introduced nationwide to improve accountability.
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Oyebamiji highlighted ongoing efforts to make inland travel safer, including the installation of navigational buoys, hydrographic surveys, and training for boat operators. He noted that NIWA’s rescue teams, backed by life jacket usage, have cut emergency response time to under 30 minutes.
“These interventions have helped us reduce accidents and fatalities by over 70 percent compared to previous years,” he said.
Despite progress, the NIWA boss urged lawmakers to back a Coastal Guard law dedicated to inland waterways. He argued such a force would strengthen enforcement, curb night sailing and overloading, and complement partnerships with the marine police and navy.
Oyebamiji also appealed to riverine state governments to join NIWA in safety campaigns, operator training, ferry upgrades, and distribution of life jackets.
He commended Marine and Blue Economy Minister Adegboyega Oyetola for supporting reforms that, he said, are already saving lives.