The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has called on waterways transport users to avoid substandard and poorly maintained boats. The authority also urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Coastal Guards Bill to improve safety and security across the nation’s waterways.

Speaking at a technical meeting with boat manufacturers in Abuja, the Managing Director, NIWA, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, made the call following the tragic boat mishap on December 16, 2024, along the River Benue route in Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State, which claimed several lives.

Oyebamiji expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency of boat accidents, attributing 90 per cent of these incidents to human error. He pointed out that many boat operators lack the necessary training, and some are often under the influence of intoxicants before setting out on their journeys.

“I was at a training session with some boat drivers and discovered we have a long way to go. 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,” Oyebamiji stated. He said to tackle the challenges posed by substandard wooden boats, NIWA has intensified its collaboration with indigenous boat builders to phase out these unsafe boats.

Oyebamiji revealed that this initiative aims to promote the production and use of safer, modern boats that meet global standards.

“This effort is part of NIWA’s broader strategy to improve the quality of water transportation and enhance safety. We are actively working with local boat builders to replace wooden boats with more durable and safer alternatives,” he said.

Additionally, Oyebamiji noted that NIWA has ramped up its sensitisation campaigns across riverine communities to raise awareness about unsafe boats’ dangers and promote adherence to safety protocols.

He stressed that these efforts must be supported by legislative backing, adding, “We need legislative support to address these issues fully,” he added. Oyebamiji reaffirmed NIWA’s commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers using the country’s waterways, calling for a collective effort from boat operators, passengers, and policymakers to prevent future tragedies.