By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Dr George Moghalu on Friday in Lokoja cautioned boat operators in the country to adhere strictly to inland waterways transportation safety guidelines or risk sanctions.
Moghalu who made the call in a press statement signed by Jibril Dardau, Acting General Mamager (Corporate Affairs) and made available to newsmen on Friday in Lokoja said non-adherence would henceforth attract sanctions.
He stressed that the caution had become necessary in view of the recent avoidable boat mishaps in Lagos and Benue States which according to him claimed lives of innocent commuting Nigerians.
“The Authority is sad with the recent (avoidable) boat mishaps in Lagos and Benue States that claimed so many lives as a result of flagrant violation of Inland Waterways Transportation Safety guidelines”, he said.
Moghalu who commiserated with the families, people and Government of the affected states, however, warned boat operators to adhere strictly to NIWA safety guidelines or be sanctioned.
The Managing Director reiterated that his reform agenda for the inland waterways transportation system in the country was aimed at minimising, if not total eradication, of boat mishaps on the waterways.
