Boat accident: NIWA criminalises non-use of life jackets, night sailing

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has said failure to use a life jacket and engaging in night sailing on River Benue are now a criminal offence.

NIWA said the move was to enhance safety in water transportation across the state.

Engr. Samson Onobun, the Area Manager for NIWA in Makurdi, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Safety Committee for the Buruku/Abuku Crossing point on River Katsina-Ala in Benue State.

“Failure to use a life jacket or sailing at night is now considered a criminal offence,” Onobun said.

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The newly inaugurated safety committee is mandated to oversee the implementation of these safety measures and work closely with the Marine Police to enforce the new rules.