The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Federal Government to establish a sustainable Federal Maritime Safety Commission, similar to the Federal Road Safety Commission, to address boat accidents and fatalities.

The group expressed concern over governments’ continued failure to effectively tackle the issue of boat mishaps in Nigerian waters. HURIWA lamented that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has not adequately addressed the surge in boat accidents. It argued that a dedicated Boat Safety Commission, established as a specialised department within NIMASA, must focus on this issue and improve safety standards for small boat operations across the waterways.

The group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to instruct the Blue Economy minister and related maritime agencies to expedite the presentation of an executive bill to the National Assembly. This bill would propose the creation of a Federal Maritime Safety Commission to curb the rising number of deaths from boat accidents.

HURIWA further recommended that Tinubu ensure the proposed Federal Maritime Safety Commission is adequately staffed, unlike the overstaffed and inefficient Federal Road Safety Commission.

“The Federal Maritime Safety Commission should not become a platform for handing out jobs to political thugs and motor park touts, as has happened with the Federal Road Safety Commission due to prolonged bad governance,” HURIWA stated. “The Federal Government should limit the staff strength to just 2,000 personnel, including management staff.”

“HURIWA has observed over the past 17 years how accidents on our waterways have continued to result in high fatalities,” the statement continued. “We believe it is crucial for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate and sustainable action to provide effective solutions to the surge in maritime accidents.”

“We regret to highlight the following statistics: In 2023, Nigeria experienced a surge in boat accidents, resulting in over 300 deaths across various states. These accidents occurred due to overloading, faulty engines, and a lack of life jackets. The most affected states were Kwara and Anambra.”