FG Inaugurates Special Committee To Prevent Boat Mishaps In Nigeria

In a decisive move to improve safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated a Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Accidents in Nigeria.

Addressing Boat Safety Challenges in Nigeria

During the official inauguration at the Ministry’s headquarters, Oyetola highlighted the urgent necessity of curbing recurring boat mishaps, which have led to significant casualties and economic losses. He emphasized that Nigeria’s waterways serve as essential channels for commerce, transportation, and economic activities, making safety improvements a critical priority for the nation’s blue economy.

The establishment of the committee aligns with the 2024 International World Maritime Day theme, “Navigating the Future: Safety First,” reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring safe and efficient water transport.

Committee’s Role and Responsibilities

The newly formed committee, chaired by the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, includes representatives from state governments, the Association of Boat Operators in Nigeria, marine safety specialists, and academic professionals. Mr. Adams Offie, Deputy Director of Inland Waterways at the Ministry, will serve as the Secretary.

Their primary responsibilities include:

Conducting an in-depth assessment of commercial boat operations.
Identifying the root causes of frequent boat accidents.
Proposing sustainable and long-term solutions to enhance waterway safety.

Commitment to Safer Waterways

Speaking at the event, NIWA MD, Oyebamiji, assured stakeholders that the committee is fully committed to fulfilling its mandate. He reiterated that ensuring safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways is non-negotiable and affirmed that NIWA, under the guidance of the minister, is dedicated to upholding its regulatory obligations.

“This initiative marks a crucial step in tackling the persistent safety concerns in inland water transport. Our goal is to reduce marine accidents to the barest minimum and implement policies that prioritize passenger and operator safety,” Oyebamiji stated.

He further assured that the confidence placed in the committee would not be misplaced, as members are ready to work diligently towards addressing the systemic challenges leading to boat mishaps.

A Step Towards Sustainable Water Transport

The formation of this committee is part of a broader strategy to boost Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and safety protocols. The government’s renewed focus on maritime safety aligns with global best practices, ensuring that inland waterways become safer, more navigable, and commercially viable.

For further insights on global water transport safety strategies, read the International Maritime Organization’s latest report on best practices for inland waterway safety.

By implementing these safety measures, the government aims to eliminate preventable boat accidents and make Nigeria’s waterways safer for all users.