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NIWA Bans Unlicensed Boats, Shuts Illegal Loading Points Over Rising Fatal Accidents
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has banned unlicensed boats and unauthorised loading points nationwide to curb deadly accidents. MD Bola Oyebamiji says operators must enforce lifejackets and safety compliance.
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has imposed a nationwide ban on unlicensed boats and unauthorised loading points in a bid to enhance passenger safety and curb recurring mishaps on Nigeria’s waterways.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, NIWA Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, said the new directives followed the alarming rate of deadly boat accidents across the country.
“NIWA has placed an immediate ban on loading activities from all unauthorised loading points across the country. No commercial passenger boat shall be allowed to load from any point other than those recognised and registered by NIWA,” Oyebamiji announced.
He further ordered the removal of all unlicensed watercraft, stressing that operators without proper certification would no longer be permitted on Nigerian waterways.
The NIWA boss also emphasised stricter safety measures:
“It is mandatory for all commercial boat operators to provide and enforce the use of lifejackets on the boats always. Every commercial passenger boat must properly display its Boat Name Letters and Load line.”
The clampdown comes after a series of tragic accidents. In April, a storm overturned a boat carrying traders on the Niger River in Lapai LGA, Niger State. In July, 15 people died in another mishap on the Shiroro River, while two separate accidents claimed multiple lives in Sokoto in August. The most recent incident in September saw 27 mourners drown when their boat capsized on the Kainji Reservoir in Borgu LGA, Niger State.
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