NIWA bans unauthorized boat operations in Nigeria

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has ordered an immediate ban to boat loading at unauthorized points nationwide, in a bid to enhance safety and reduce accidents on Nigeria’s waterways

NIWA Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, announced the directive during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.

He stated: “NIWA has placed an immediate ban on loading activities from all unauthorised points across the country. No commercial passenger boat shall load from any location other than those officially recognised and registered by NIWA. It is mandatory for all commercial boat operators to provide and ensure the use of lifejackets at all times. Every commercial passenger boat must clearly display its Boat Name Letters and Load Line.”

Oyebamiji also ordered the removal of all unlicensed boats and watercraft from the waterways, adding: “All unlicensed boat drivers and operators are banned from operating any boats or watercraft on the waterways.”

The directive follows a series of deadly incidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways. In August, over 40 people went missing after a boat accident in Sokoto, while about a year earlier, at least 16 farmers died when a wooden canoe capsized during a trip to their rice fields.

Experts have repeatedly highlighted poor regulation and non-compliance with safety rules as major contributors to these recurring accidents.

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