NIWA begins enforcement of waterways code in Lagos

• Imposes fines for violations, deploys river marshals, navy personnel

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has begun educating and enforcing the Waterways Transportation Code for boat operators, captains, and passengers in Lagos State.

The aim is to enhance safety standards and enforce regulations on inland waterways. The new code lists offences and penalties for not complying with regulatory standards meant to reduce waterway accidents.

In addition to any penalties imposed, individuals convicted of an offence under these regulations will be responsible for the expenses incurred in inspecting and repairing any damage caused by the offence.

The code stipulates violations and fines, including penalties for undermanning vessels, with fines of N5,000 per person for vessels under 15 tons Gross Register Tonnage (GRT), N15,000 per person for vessels between 15 and 50 GRT, and N50,000 for vessels over 50 GRT.

Also, violations regarding life-saving appliances (LSA) attract a N10,000 fine. Overloading vessels up to 50 GRT incurs a fine of N20,000, while vessels over 50 GRT are subject to a N50,000 fine.

An underage boat master will be fined N10,000, and the operational permit of the affected vessel will be withdrawn on subsequent offences. Other violations include a N50,000 fine for carrying dangerous objects that pose a risk to persons, vessels, installations, or the environment.

Dumping refuse, solid waste, or other materials in or along the waterways attracts a N20,000 fine for individuals and N200,000 for vessels or corporate bodies.

Also, a boat master or crew member who fails to remain on board or at the accident site until a competent authority is notified will be fined N50,000 .
Violations of vigilance and good navigational practices attract a N50,000 fine, while obstruction of navigable waterways and environmental damage incur a N20,000 fine.

Other penalties include N30,000 for unauthorised use of the waterways. Leading the sensitisation yesterday, the Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Dr Sarat Braimah, emphasised the importance of the new code for boat operators, captains and passengers, particularly during the busy ‘-ember months’. She explained that the code provides a comprehensive set of regulations designed to protect operators and passengers.

Braimah highlighted that the code, now gazetted into law, introduces strict penalties for offences such as overloading boats, operating without proper registration and failing to provide life jackets for passengers.

She stressed the significance of adhering to these rules, noting that violations will now be penalised. To ensure effective enforcement of the new regulations, Braimah noted that NIWA has deployed 76 river marshals across Lagos jetties, supported by 72 personnel from the Nigerian Navy, to ensure compliance with the code at all times.

“We all know how Nigerians sometimes resist following laws. This is why we are putting measures in place to ensure that standards are not compromised. Our marshals are well-trained, and we are working closely with the Navy to maintain high safety standards on the waterways,” she stated.