The unsafe practices of boat operators have continued to endanger the lives of 14 million commuters that patronise the Lagos State waterways transport system yearly. Boat mishaps have become a normal occurrence on Lagos waterways as about 43,000 passengers risk getting involved in waterways accidents daily.

The Guardian learnt that lack of concern for the safety of passengers by boat operators and captains, commuter’s lackadaisical attitudes towards the use of life jackets and other safety measures, boat operators’ inability to enforce safety, boat operations at odd hours, overloading and over speeding are factors that contribute to the surge in boat mishaps.

At an industry meeting and safety sensitisation programme organised by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Lagos Area Office for boat skippers and deckhands operating in Lagos waterways, boat operators voiced out their concerns on the listed causes of boat mishaps.

The boat operators also raised concerns about inadequate remuneration as they receive what they described as a meager N3,000 per day with only one day off work as well as the urge to meet daily trip targets.

Some operators also admitted to managing faulty engines, leading to over-speeding, while also pointing at the rush to beat the 7:00 pm jetty closure time to avoid the N50,000 penalties from the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).

Recall that on February 21, 2024, a ferry boat with 17 passengers on board collided with a submerged shoreline concrete at a construction site around the power line corridor at the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge leaving a death, one casualty and 15 rescued.

The Ibeshe bound passenger ferry departed from Addax jetty at about 6.50pm, which was 10 minute before the closing time for boat operation. On February 26, a 20-passenger capacity boat with 14 people onboard, took off from the Addax jetty and got into an accident along the Ibeshe/Ikorodu channel en route Ebute Ipakodo ikorodu about 7:17pm, which was 17 minutes past the closing time.

The incident left three dead with 11 people rescued. However, upon investigation, it was found that the boat was not in good condition, while the captain left the channel route for another shallow area to compete in speed with another boat, which led to the accident.

Worried by the trend, the NIWA Lagos Area Manager, Dr. Sarat Braimah, at the weekend, said a joint meeting with all stakeholders was crucial in addressing challenges faced by boat operators as well as collectively strategise a way forward.

The meeting, which was in a bid to enhance water safety and address recent spates of boat mishaps, had in attendance, over 180 boat captains from various jetties, including Ebute Ero, Majidun, Mayegun, Ijede, Ibeshe, Ofin, Badore, and Ajah in Lagos state.

She lamented the recent surge in mishaps, emphasising that ensuring the safety of waterways is a shared responsibility. Highlighting the lack of basic safety measures among boat operators, Braimah announced NIWA’s collaboration with certified trainers to provide training at the rate of N80, 000.

According to her, upon successful completion, boat operators will receive a license valid for three years and renewable upon expiration. Braimah also noted that boat operators are granted a three-month window to undergo training and obtain licenses, after which enforcement will commence.

She warned that errant operators who fail to comply will face sanctions and prosecution.

Also speaking, the NIWA Head of Department, Marine, Mrs. Elsie Egwantu, stressed the importance of sensitising boat operators on safety measures of the waterways and transport system. She urged operators to actively participate, express concerns, and engage in the process.

“NIWA remains committed to promoting safety, and with this proactive approach, aims to create a safer and more responsible water transportation system,” she stated.