The managing director of National Inland Waterways, Bola Oyebamiji has attributed the recent boat mishaps that bedevilled Nigeria waterways to influence of drug intakes, over loading and non compliance with safety measures by boat drivers/ operators .
The managing director of the agency disclosed this in Lokoja on Wednesday while addressing the committee on House Inland Waterways on 2025 pre-budget oversight visit, led by its chairman Hon.Ojema Ojotu.
He said statistic has shown that over 90 percent of the mishaps on waterways in the country are occasioned by human errors fueled by intake of enhancing chemical substances and non adherence to Transport code rolled out by the management.
The NIWA Boss stated further that in their attempt to curb this menace to mitigate against incessant accidents , the management has invited NDLEA operatives on board, including launching of transport code and embarking on sensitisation tour in all the states connected with waterways in the country .
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“The management discovered that boat with barely a capacity of 30 passengers carry over 150 to 200 passengers on board. Some wooden boats ,even carry over 300 passengers.
“Besides , most of the boat operators operate in defiance to our Transport code launched to that effect. We employed over 350 temporary staff, drawn from various communities to enforce the code to minimise these painful mishaps.
“We have done everything human possible,including provision of safety jackets to several jetties of waterways to ensure an accident -free navigation on the waterways”, he said .
While he said the management is not relenting in its bid to ensure safety of passengers on waterways, the managing director stated the organisation needs adequate funding to complete on going projects that will enhance smooth operation and navigation to boost socio-economic activities via water ways in the country .
In his remarks, the chairman of House of Representative committee on NIWA, Hon. Ojema Ojotu said the members undertook the pre-budget oversight to the agency to evaluate the implementation of the 2024 budget and prepare for a robust and impactful 2025 fiscal year.
“This visit provides us with the platform to scrutinise critical areas such as operational efficiency, safety on our waterways, infrastructure development, and the overall management of resources allocated to NIWA
“We recognise the unique challenges associated with managing waterways, including the recurring issues of boat mishaps, flooding in vulnerable regions along the Waterways, and the demand for for modernised infrastructure such as inlands ports and navigable channels.
It’s imperative to consider how these challenges can be addressed to enhance safety , efficiency and economic viability”, he said .
He said government funding remains critical to the survival of the agency, stressing that it’s evident that the traditional financial models may not meet the infrastructure and capacity building demands of the organisation.
While Hon. Ojotu said it’s imperative to think outside the box and explore alternative financing options for the agency, he stressed that , “there is need for capacity development and procure essential operational equipment to enhance safety enforcement, ensure rapid emergency responses ,and deliver efficient services”.
The House committee visited lokoja port Jamata – Lokoja to assess the progress of work on the project before their departure for Abuja .
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