By AISHA COLE

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has expressed concern over the frequent overloading of container barges on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

The Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Mrs Sarat Braimah, described the practice as reckless, dangerous and a threat to other water users.

Braimah spoke on Thursday in Lagos during the 2026 Dockworkers’ Day celebration organised by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN).

The event, with the theme ‘Green Ports: Sustainable Practices for Dockworkers’, brought together regulators, terminal operators, labour leaders, shipping executives and journalists.

Represented by NIWA Assistant Manager, Marine Operations, Mr Kevin Abba, Braimah said many operators overload barges to maximise profits from a single trip.

She explained that excessive container stacking and poor weight distribution create blind spots that obstruct tugboat captains’ forward visibility during navigation.

“Operating any vessel without a clear line of sight is extremely dangerous for everyone using Nigeria’s inland waterways,” she said.

According to her, captains may be unable to detect approaching vessels, sandbanks, passenger boats or floating debris in time to avoid accidents.

She warned that such conditions significantly increase the risks of collisions, capsizing and loss of life.

Braimah said NIWA had intensified monitoring and enforcement activities at loading points across Lagos and other major inland terminals.

She said the authority now requires container stacks to comply with approved height limits and maintain unobstructed visibility from the wheelhouse before departure clearance.

Braimah noted that improper loading was one of several safety challenges confronting inland water transport operations.

She identified misuse of safety equipment and marine litter as additional concerns affecting navigation and environmental sustainability.

“Safety on water depends on a chain of smart, responsible and consistent choices,” she said.

She stressed that proper cargo securing, correct use of life jackets and responsible waste disposal were essential measures for preventing accidents.

Braimah also described indiscriminate waste disposal as a continuing environmental threat to Nigeria’s waterways.

She said plastics and other debris damage vessels, obstruct navigation channels and harm aquatic ecosystems.

According to her, effective waste management remains a shared responsibility among operators, dockworkers and other port users.

Braimah reaffirmed NIWA’s commitment to promoting sustainable maritime practices and improving safety standards on navigable waterways.

She said the authority would continue working with regulators, labour unions, industry stakeholders and private operators to strengthen the sector.

Also speaking, President of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Alhaji Aminu Umar, said sustainability had become a major factor in investment decisions and global trade competitiveness.

Represented by the Director-General of the NCS, Mrs Vivian Chimezie, Umar said regulatory compliance and operational efficiency were now mandatory requirements.

He explained that green ports go beyond environmental compliance by integrating sustainability, innovation, operational efficiency and worker welfare.

“With over 80 per cent of global trade by volume transported by sea, ports must reduce emissions and energy consumption while remaining competitive,” he said.

Umar said the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and ongoing port rehabilitation offered opportunities to embed sustainability principles.

“Nigeria’s newly created Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and ongoing port rehabilitation create a rare opportunity to embed sustainability principles from the design stage,” he said.

He cited Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Los Angeles in the United States as examples Nigeria could adapt.

According to him, Rotterdam’s investments in shore-power systems and renewable energy reduced emissions and improved dockworkers’ health.

He added that Los Angeles combined environmental improvements with large-scale workforce training for emerging technologies.

Umar stressed that dockworkers were central to any successful green transition because of their direct involvement in daily port operations.

He urged workers to embrace electric and hybrid equipment, improve energy efficiency, manage waste responsibly and develop digital skills.

“Green ports are economic necessities, not environmental luxuries,” he said.

Umar called for a “Just Transition” that would ensure automation and modernisation were accompanied by retraining and new employment opportunities.

He urged government agencies, port authorities, terminal operators, unions and educational institutions to collaborate in building safer, cleaner and smarter ports. (NAN)

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