By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebanji, has identified human errors, drug abuse, and disregard for rules and regulations as the leading causes of boat mishaps in recent times.
Oyebanji made this revelation during a visit by the House of Representatives Committee on NIWA to the Authority’s headquarters in Lokoja. He reiterated that NIWA is committed to ensuring the safety of Nigerians using water transportation.
He emphasized that 99 percent of mishaps on the waterways are caused by human errors, with research showing that many operators make avoidable mistakes. Oyebanji also pointed out that some boat operators use drugs to influence their actions, leading them to make reckless and dangerous decisions. He cited the practice of overloading wooden boats, some carrying as many as 150 to 200 passengers instead of the recommended limit, as well as the failure to provide the required life jackets for passengers.
House Committee’s Oversight Visit
The Chairman of the House Committee on NIWA, Mr. Ojema Ojotu, who was accompanied by seven other members, discussed the significance of inland waterways in Nigeria’s transportation network. He highlighted their potential to improve connectivity, reduce road congestion, and foster economic growth.
“As representatives of the people, we have a duty to ensure that the full potential of our inland waterways is effectively harnessed for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Ojotu said.
The Committee members used the visit as an opportunity to review critical areas such as operational efficiency, safety measures, infrastructure development, and the management of resources allocated to NIWA.
“We recognize the unique challenges in managing the waterways, including recurring boat mishaps, flooding in vulnerable areas, and the need for modern infrastructure like inland ports and navigable channels. We will focus on addressing these challenges to improve safety, efficiency, and economic viability,” Ojotu added.
He also stressed the importance of dredging the waterways to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s inland transportation system and ensure smooth and uninterrupted operations.
Focus on Capacity Building and Innovative Financing
Ojotu called for the development of human capacity and the procurement of essential operational equipment, including boats, to enhance safety enforcement and ensure rapid emergency responses.
Recognizing that traditional financing models may not be enough to meet NIWA’s infrastructure and capacity-building needs, he called for innovative solutions such as public-private partnerships, concessional arrangements, and other alternative funding mechanisms.
“These approaches can bridge funding gaps and support impactful infrastructure development. As we engage with NIWA’s leadership and assess their activities, we remain focused on finding practical solutions to the pressing issues facing the inland waterways sector,” he concluded.
Ojotu assured that the Committee would continue to advocate for policies and budgetary allocations that align with national priorities and support sustainable development in the sector.
