It is with a heavy heart that we must once again confront the recurring tragedy on Nigeria’s inland waterways. Over the past five years, more than 1,500 innocent lives have been lost due to preventable boat mishaps across the nation. This tragic trend shows no signs of abating, as nearly 300 lives have already been lost in 2024 alone. From Lagos to Kano and from Adamawa to Cross River, these grim statistics serve as haunting reminders of the unchecked menace threatening the safety and livelihoods of Nigerians dependent on these waterways.
On October 7th, yet another preventable tragedy unfolded in Lagos State when two overcrowded boats collided in the lagoon near Imore town, in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area. This incident resulted in three confirmed deaths and two missing persons. This latest tragedy is not an isolated accident; rather, it reflects systemic failures and a gross abdication of responsibility by both regulatory authorities and boat operators.
These incessant boat mishaps are not mere accidents—they stem from negligence, recklessness, and incompetence. Rickety and poorly maintained boats, blatant overloading, and a shocking disregard for safety regulations are prevalent on our waterways. The situation is exacerbated by underwater wrecks that litter navigational routes, creating hazards that further endanger passengers.
Despite this alarming state of affairs, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the federal agency responsible for enforcing safety standards on our inland waters, has consistently demonstrated a disturbing lack of capacity and will to fulfil its mandate. This inadequacy is further compounded by failures at the state level, where local regulatory and safety agencies have effectively abandoned their responsibilities to ensure safe passage for Nigerians.
The tragic loss of life must serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders involved. It is imperative that the NIWA and state regulatory bodies take immediate action to implement and enforce stringent safety regulations, conduct regular inspections of vessels, and hold boat operators accountable for their negligence. The safety of our waterways is not just a regulatory issue; it is a matter of human rights and dignity.
We call upon the government and relevant authorities to prioritize the lives of Nigerians and to restore public confidence in the safety of our inland waterways. Every life lost is a tragedy that reverberates through families and communities, and we must not allow this pattern of negligence to continue. Let us work together to ensure that our waterways are safe for all who rely on them.