The Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, has identified human errors, drugs and disobedience to the rules and regulations as the major causes of boat accidents that have occurred in the past three years.
Oyebamiji disclosed this while fielding questions from members of the House Representatives Committee on NIWA who were on oversight function to the headquarters of the authority in Lokoja, Kogi State capital on Wednesday.
He said NIWA was committed to the safety of Nigerians using water transportation.
“99 per cent of the mishaps on the waterways were a result of human errors. Research has shown that operators are committing avoidable mistakes which shouldn’t have caused havoc,” he said
He noted that some of the operators lived on drugs to influence their activities to make them high and eventually make unpardonable mistakes.
Oyabamiji added that some operators are repugnant to following rules and regulations, stressing that “imagine wooden boats taking over 150 to 200 passengers at a go over and above its capacity.”
He said that the transportation code requires revalidation because the operators have not been strictly following the code recently signed while some are not providing required life jackets for their passengers.
He said the regulation code only provided N30,000 as a penalty for offenders.
The Chairman of the House Committee on NIWA, Mr. Ojema Ojotu, who led a team of seven members to Lokoja, explained that the inland waterways are an integral part of Nigeria’s transportation framework, offering immense potential for enhancing connectivity, reducing road congestion, and stimulating economic growth.
“As representatives of the people, we must ensure that this potential is harnessed effectively for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“This visit provides us with the platform to scrutinise critical areas such as operational efficiency, safety on our waterways, infrastructure development, and the overall management of resources allocated to NIWA.
“We recognise the unique challenges associated with managing waterways, including the recurring issues of boat mishaps, flooding in vulnerable regions along the waterways, and the demand for modernized infrastructure such as inland ports and navigable channels. As we deliberate today, it is imperative to consider how these challenges can be addressed to enhance safety, efficiency, and economic viability.
“The strategic importance of inland ports cannot be overstated, especially in fostering internal and regional trade and serving as vital links in our national logistics chain,” Ojotu said.
Similarly, he stated that the dredging of waterways remains key to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s inland transportation system, ensuring seamless connectivity and uninterrupted operations.
“Additionally, there is a need for human capacity development and procure essential operational equipment, such as boats, to enhance safety enforcement, ensure rapid emergency responses, and deliver efficient services. While government funding remains critical, it is evident that traditional financing models may not suffice to meet the infrastructure and capacity building demands of NIWA’s mandate.
‘Therefore, it is imperative to think outside the box and explore alternative financing options, including public-private partnerships, concessional arrangements, and innovative funding mechanisms.
“These approaches can bridge funding gaps and drive impactful infrastructural development. As we engage with NIWA’s leadership and review their activities, let us remain focused on identifying practical solutions to the pressing issues facing the inland waterways sector.
“This Committee will continue to advocate for policies and budgetary allocations that align with national priorities and promote sustainable development,” the chairman stated.
