By Thompson Yamput
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) on Tuesday says the establishment of coastal guards for Inland Waterways would go a long way in curbing boat Mishaps in the country.
NIWA Managing Director, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, made the remarks during a special press briefing held in Abuja.
Oyebamiji, who said that the proposal for the establishment of the coastal guards is before the National Assembly, urged the lawmakers to expedite action on the bill.
“The Authority believes that an important operational tool such as the Coastal Guards will go a long way in strengthening its enforcement drive for better results.
“We therefore plead with the National Assembly to look into this direction. This is because when it’s established and operational, boat mishaps will definitely be dealt with, ” he said.
He disclosed that NIWA has placed an immediate ban on loading activities from all unauthorised loading points across the country as part of measures to checkmate boat mishaps.
According to him, no commercial passenger boat shall be allowed to load from any point other than those recognised and registered by NIWA;
The MD said that It’s mandatory for all commercial boat operators to provide and enforce the use of lifejackets on the boats always, and each boat must properly display it’s Boat Name Letters and Load line
“All unlicensed boats and watercrafts are to be removed from the waterways, while all unlicensed boat drivers and operators are banned from operating any boats or watercraft on the waterways; and
“We call on the states, particularly the riverine states to collaborate with NIWA in the area of safety campaigns, training of boat operators and boat drivers, procurement and distribution of lifejackets, provision of landing platforms and deployment of modern passenger ferries,” he said.
He disclosed that NIWA has reduced the rate of accidents and deaths on the inland waterways by more than 70% compared to the previous years, based on the innovations and renewed commitment to its mandates,
Oyebamiji said that through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NIWA had reached out to the relevant security agencies to complement its efforts on safety enforcement.
He stressed that going forward, the authority shall witness increased collaboration with the the Marine Police and the Nigerian Navy, particularly as it relates to the enforcement of the ban on overloading, night sailing.
The MD commended the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Gboyega Oyetola, for his continuous support to the management of NIWA and Nigerians.
He said that in the last four months, the federal ninistry of Marine and Blue Economy has supported NIWA to distribute not less than 45,000 standard lifejackets to Nigerians across 12 states
According to him, there is no passenger movement between 6.00pm and 6.00am, while there’s compulsory usage of lifejackets on water. (ephemeralnews.com.ng)
