The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced plans to phase out wooden boats to enhance waterway safety in Nigeria. During an interactive session in Lagos, NIWA Managing Director Bola Oyebamiji highlighted that wooden boats, which make up over 90% of the vessels on Nigeria’s inland waterways, are responsible for most of the country’s waterway accidents. He cited issues such as night travel, overloading, and inadequate safety measures, including the failure to use life jackets.
To address these safety concerns, NIWA has increased the number of marshals monitoring the jetties nationwide, expanding from 80 to 350 marshals to enforce regulations and raise awareness among boat operators and passengers. Oyebamiji also emphasized the agency’s long-term goal of replacing wooden boats by collaborating with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, under Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, and with the Nigerian Navy assisting in patrol operations.
The initiative includes campaigns in English and local languages to educate communities on the dangers associated with night travel, overloading, and neglecting safety gear. NIWA aims to ensure safer and more reliable water transport for Nigeria’s inland waterways.
