By Isaiah Eka
The Maritime Academy of Nigeria, (MAN) Oron, has sensitised boat users and other stakeholders on the need to enhance safety of the inland water transportation in the country.
The Acting Rector of the Academy, Dr Kevin Okonna, said this at a sensitisation workshop held on Tuesday at the Academy auditorium in Oron, Akwa Ibom.
The workshop drew participants from boat users, operators and cadets of the academy.
The theme of the workshop is: “Harnessing the Opportunities of Marine and Blue Economy with the Safety of Inland Waterways Transportation in Perspectives.”
Okonna said that the workshop was organised in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to ensure safety on the inland waterways.
He said that there was need for boat users and stakeholders in the maritime industry to adhere strictly to safety guidelines as provided by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
“This workshop is therefore organised by the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron in line with the President’s directive and as part of the programme of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to ensure safety on our inland Waterways,” Okonna said.
Mr Dakio Horsfall, General Manager,
NIWA, presenting his lecture entitled, “Safety of Nigerian Inland Waterways:
The Responsibility of Boat Users”, said that safety remained the cornerstone of inland waterway transportation in Nigeria.
Horsfall said that boat users, passengers, operators and all stakeholders have their roles to play to ensure safety on the Nigerian waterways.
He said that boat drivers must adhere to route approvals and avoid restricted or unsafe areas to enhance safety.
He emphasised on the need for boat drivers to comply with speed limit and avoid overloading of the boat.
He said NIWA would continue to regulate the sector by ensuring that only certified boats and trained drivers were allowed to operate on the country’s waterways.
He urged passengers to always adhere to safety guidelines while boarding boat and not to encourage overloading.
