The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced an immediate ban on all loading activities from unauthorized jetties and informal loading points across the country as part of renewed efforts to curb boat mishaps and strengthen safety measures on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Abuja, stressing that strict enforcement would begin immediately.
“NIWA has placed an immediate ban on all loading activities from unauthorized points nationwide,” Oyebamiji said. “No commercial passenger boat will be allowed to load from any location not officially recognized and registered by NIWA.”
As part of the new directives, NIWA also mandated that:
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All commercial boat operators must provide life jackets and ensure passengers wear them before departure.
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Boat names and load lines must be clearly displayed for easy identification and compliance checks.
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All unlicensed boats and watercraft will be removed from Nigeria’s waterways.
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Unlicensed boat drivers and operators are prohibited from operating under any circumstances.
“Safety is our top priority,” he emphasized. “These directives are non-negotiable. Our goal is to ensure zero tolerance for unsafe practices on Nigeria’s waterways”.
Oyebamiji explained that the measures became necessary following a series of deadly boat accidents recorded across several states in recent months.
In April, a boat carrying traders capsized on the Niger River near Sokun Village in Lapai LGA, Niger State, after a sudden storm, leaving several passengers feared dead.
Back in July, another tragic accident occurred on the Shiroro River near Zumba Market, Shiroro LGA, Niger State, when a passenger boat carrying rice, livestock, and about 40 people hit a submerged log and capsized. While 15 bodies were recovered and 26 passengers wearing life jackets were rescued, three people remain missing.
Similarly, Sokoto State recorded two deadly accidents in August when overloaded boats ferrying women, children, and motorcycles to the Goronyo market capsized.
The most recent tragedy occurred in September on the Kainji Reservoir’s Malale River in Borgu LGA, Niger State, where a wooden boat carrying mourners to a condolence visit capsized, leaving at least 27 people confirmed dead.
Oyebamiji called on passengers, boat operators, and riverine communities to adhere strictly to safety guidelines to prevent further loss of lives, warning that NIWA would enforce the new measures aggressively.
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