Former Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho, has emphasised the urgent need for the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to develop a comprehensive national policy to tackle recurring boat accidents on the nation’s inland waterways.

Ihenacho, speaking at the Fellows’ Luncheon of the Centre for Marine Surveyors of Nigeria, stressed that the framework should incorporate robust risk mitigation strategies to improve safety standards on the waterways.

Expressing deep concern over the increasing rate of boat mishaps, Ihenacho warned that the trend poses serious economic and reputational risks for the country.

“The frequency of these accidents paints a negative image of Nigeria’s maritime industry and that it could deter investment and undermine economic development,” he said,

Ihenacho, who doubles as the Chairman, Waterside Centre at the Mission to Seafarers, advocated for infrastructure development, including the establishment of emergency response systems, coordinated rescue operations, and a functional weather alert system to help reduce casualties.

He stressed the need for the government to enhance regulatory capacity within the inland waterways transport sector, describing many of the fatalities as avoidable while citing a report that revealed 71 accidents recorded over four years, resulting in the deaths of 1,032 people.

According to him, these lives could have been saved if adequate precautions had been taken, including the engagement of qualified marine surveyors.

Ihenacho described marine surveyors as professionals critical to ensuring safety in marine operations, from the inspection of vessels and equipment to enforcing standards and procedures.

He called for significant investment in the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to build the institutional capacity necessary for safer inland water transport.