The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Sen Olorunibe Mamora, last Tuesday escaped death on Lagos inland waterways by whiskers when a floating log of wood hit the boat carrying him and his entourage when he came to inspect the Lagos facilities of the agency.

According to a staff of the agency who begged not to have his name in print, “It was a close shave with death as the log of wood, which was floating underwater, hit our boat which the MD was also on board.

“The incident occurred shortly, after inspecting the NIWA CMS office facility, Apapa, Ijora, Oyingbo jetties and the boat was heading towards Osborne foreshore to also inspect Texas connection ferries.

“By the time we got to Texas jetty, water was already tricking in into the boat. I was already praying inside because I am still taking my swimming lessons.

“After inspecting Texas connection ferry terminal, the NIWA team then called for a change of boat to continue with the facility tour of other jetties across the State, as water inside the boat was already disturbing,” Our source revealed.

Confirming the near mishap, the Personal Assistant to the MD, Technical Services, Engr. Emmanuel Ilori said the wreck was an underwater wreck that was under the water.

He said that the present management of the authority is seriously concerned about safety and security in the nation’s inland waterways.

In the words of Ilori, “Safety and security of inland waterways is the priority of the present management of NIWA. it is not only issue of wrecks removal, but causes of wreck, and that is what we will be looking at fundamentally. So, to prevent boat mishap on the inland waterways and to be sure that when wrecks are removed they are not dumped into another place where it will become another hazard.”

Ilori who is also the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA) said the authority would also survey under the water and place danger signs on the area where there are wrecks.

On the entourage of the MD were the Area Manager, Lagos office of NIWA, Muazu Sambo, the one-time acting Managing Director, NIWA, Barr Danladi Ibrahim, Journalists, and several others who joined the MD in the tour of facilities of the authority.
Recall that over the years, there have been calls for the removal of wrecks on the inland waterways which contributes to mishaps on the waterways.

In August 2018, a boat travelling from CMS to Ikorodu had capsized, claiming five lives.

•Excerpted from Tribune report

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