The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Minna Area Office, responsible for Niger and Kwara States, has launched a 12-member River Marshal Team to enforce strict adherence to the Federal Government’s Water Transportation Codes by water users and boat operators to prevent frequent boat mishaps on waterways.

The Area Manager, Mr. Akapo Adeboye, stated this during a sensitization, inauguration, and unveiling of transportation codes for stakeholders at the Malale waterfronts in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Adeboye expressed concern over the disregard for safety precautions by water travelers, boat owners, and fishermen, who have refused to wear life jackets on the waterways, despite repeated warnings, leaving them vulnerable to boat accidents.

“We are inaugurating the River Marshalls to ensure good waterways usage by our people. Water users, boat owners including fishermen must follow the federal government “

“Henceforth, overloading and night sailing after 6pm is prohibited, but from 6am -6pm daily. Óur river Marshalls alongside NIWA staff will arrest erring boat operators, ” Adeboye warned.

He also urged communities along water banks to move to higher ground ahead of predicted flooding to ensure safety and prevent losses.

Speaking on the issue, the Borgu Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Suleiman Kilishi Yerima, represented by his Vice Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Sarkin Maisamari, commended the Authority for organizing sensitization programs for waterway users. He lamented the number of lives lost due to boat mishaps at the waterfronts.

” This sensitization is very apt because this is the pick period based on prediction to avert boat mishaps on our waterways. We will also keep talking to our people on the need to keep to safety standards, ” he noted.

Similarly, the State Commissioner for Transport, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, represented by Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, Deputy Director of Maritime Services in the State Ministry of Transport, explained that the ministry had previously held a series of meetings with boat owners to stress the importance of following operational codes on the waterways.

He also revealed that the Ministry plans to hold a meeting with relevant authorities to form a joint maritime team to supervise activities on the waterways to prevent loss of lives.

The Commissioner also commended NIWA for inaugurating the River Marshals and sensitizing waterway users on safety measures. (Saturday Tribune)