The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has urged Nigerians to avoid substandard and poorly maintained boats, while calling on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Coastal Guards Bill to enhance safety and security on the nation’s waterways.

This appeal was made during a technical meeting with boat manufacturers in Abuja, where NIWA’s Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, stressed the importance of legislative action to address growing safety concerns.

The call follows a tragic boat accident on December 16, 2024, along the River Benue in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, which claimed numerous lives. Mr. Oyebamiji attributed 90% of boat mishaps to human error, citing untrained and often intoxicated boat operators as a major factor.

“I was at a training session with some boat drivers and discovered that we have a long way to go in this country,” Oyebamiji stated. “Many of them are not only untrained but also intoxicated in the early hours of the day. This is unacceptable, and we are working tirelessly to address these issues.”

To combat the use of unsafe wooden boats, NIWA is collaborating with indigenous boat builders to phase out substandard vessels and promote modern alternatives that meet global safety standards. Mr. Oyebamiji emphasized that this initiative is critical to improving water transportation and ensuring passenger safety.

“We are actively working with indigenous boat builders to replace wooden boats with durable, safer alternatives,” he said. “This collaboration is key to eliminating unsafe practices and ensuring the long-term safety of passengers on our waterways.”

In addition to these efforts, NIWA has launched sensitization campaigns in riverine communities to raise awareness about the dangers of unsafe boats and the importance of following safety protocols. However, Mr. Oyebamiji stressed that these measures need legislative reinforcement through the Coastal Guards Bill.

“We have visited numerous riverine villages and cities to advocate for safety on our waterways,” he noted. “But for us to achieve comprehensive safety and security, we appeal to the National Assembly to help prioritize and pass the Coastal Guards Bill. This will equip us with the necessary tools to regulate and secure our waterways effectively.”

NIWA reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring safe water transportation in Nigeria and called for collective action from boat operators, passengers, and policymakers to prevent future tragedies. The agency also pledged to continue its efforts to address challenges, improve infrastructure, and promote professionalism among waterway users.