The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has embarked on a comprehensive sensitization and enforcement campaign for the Waterways Transportation Code in Lagos, aimed at improving safety and ensuring compliance with new regulations. The Lagos Area Office, under the leadership of Dr. Sarat Braimah, initiated the program to ensure that boat captains, operators, and passengers across the state are well informed about the safety measures now in effect and the penalties for non-compliance.
At the launch event, Dr. Braimah emphasized the importance of awareness, stating that the code, which has now been gazetted into law, addresses key safety concerns on Lagos’ waterways. “This code has been launched officially at our headquarters, and now we’re here to let boat captains, operators, and passengers know that it’s in effect. It’s important for everyone using our waterways to understand that there is now a law, and any violation will result in penalties,” she said.
The sensitization campaign has focused on communicating critical elements of the code, including mandatory vessel registration, the prohibition of overloading boats, and the compulsory use of life jackets for all passengers. These measures, which were previously advisory, are now legally enforceable, with violators facing stringent penalties. Dr. Braimah reiterated that the new regulations are designed to enhance the safety of all waterway users, especially during the high-traffic “Ember Months,” a period of increased waterway movement due to festive events. “We don’t want any casualties on our waterways. That’s why we’re visiting jetties across Lagos to ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities,” she added.
As part of the sensitization efforts, NIWA officials have visited several key jetties and boat clubs across Lagos, targeting different categories of boat operators and passengers. These visits include exclusive areas such as the Lagos Motor Club, where high-end boat owners were sensitized, and mid-tier jetties like BisGarden Jetty and Affis Jetty, where the focus was on engaging middle-class boat owners and operators.
NIWA also extended its sensitization efforts to more public jetties such as Ebute Ero, Falomo Jetty (which also houses the Lagos State Waterways Authority headquarters), and Maroko Jetty. Additionally, teams were deployed to jetties in Badagry, Apapa, and Ikorodu, ensuring that the message of compliance reached a wide audience across Lagos.
To ensure effective enforcement, NIWA has stationed 76 river marshals across Lagos’ jetties, working in collaboration with 72 Nigerian Navy personnel. These marshals are responsible for maintaining law and order and ensuring adherence to the new Waterways Transportation Code. In addition, NIWA’s police command has been integrated into the enforcement operations, with the personnel undergoing twice-weekly training to maintain high standards of law enforcement and safety practices.
Dr. Braimah also highlighted the importance of proper equipment for vessels, noting that all boats must be equipped with radios for emergency communication. Misuse of waterway signs, such as mooring vessels on them, is now a punishable offense under the code, further promoting the safe and orderly use of the waterways.
The sensitization campaign underscores NIWA’s commitment to ensuring that all stakeholders on Lagos’ waterways understand and comply with the Waterways Transportation Code. Through targeted outreach and strict enforcement, NIWA aims to foster a safer, more efficient environment for water transport across the state.