The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has issued a stern warning to boat operators and passengers in Bakassi, Cross River State, urging them to comply with safety regulations or face a seven-year jail term.
 
During one of its routine sensitisation campaigns on Wednesday, the agency warned that boat operators must wear life jackets, avoid night travel, and refrain from overloading boats or face arrest and prosecution.

The agency accused some operators of prioritising profits over passenger safety and vowed that violators of the safety rules would no longer be allowed to operate unchecked.
 
The Managing Director of NIWA, Mr Bolaji Oyebamiji, conveyed this message through the agency’s Area Manager for Calabar, Stanley Onuoha, during a sensitisation event at Ifiyang Oyong and Ikang waterfronts in Bakassi Local Council, Cross River State.
 
He charged them to always ensure that all passengers onboard have a life jacket and tell them when to use it, ensure that life buoys and fire extinguishers are available, in good order and easily reached, and also ensure that all passengers attend a pre-boarding safety briefing prior to departure.
 
The sensitisation programme is part of NIWA’s ongoing efforts to curb boat mishaps, which have drawn negative attention to the agency. Onuoha pointed out that while road accidents are common, boat mishaps tend to dominate the news, often placing NIWA in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
 
The agency also expressed frustration with some boat operators who are members of water transport unions but have been resistant to enforcing safety regulations. In response, NIWA has now partnered with the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Navy, Maritime Police, and its own NIWA Police to enforce the rules more effectively.