- Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, urges the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to enforce the water transportation code for safer waterways in Nigeria
- Oyetola emphasizes that night travel and overloading are major causes of boat accidents, highlighting the importance of adhering to safety regulations
- The Minister encourages state governments to work with NIWA to implement safety measures and prevent future accidents, reinforcing the need for compliance with established protocols
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to enforce the water transportation code.
This initiative aims to standardize operations, minimize boat accidents, and foster a more structured environment for potential investors in the sector.
In a statement released on Friday by his spokesman, Ismail Omipidan, Oyetola highlighted that night travel and overloading are among the primary causes of boat accidents on Nigeria's waterways.
He stressed the need for collective efforts to combat this issue, urging boat users to strictly adhere to the established transportation code.
“I am aware that NIWA has embarked on an advocacy campaign warning against the rising water tide, night travel, overloading, and the importance of wearing life jackets. They have also deployed water marshals to help enforce the transportation code,” Oyetola stated.
He further emphasized the critical role that NIWA plays in ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
“I am calling on NIWA to enforce the code to the letter to significantly standardize water transportation, minimize boat accidents, and create an enabling environment for potential investors,” he added.
Oyetola also urged boat users to refrain from traveling at night and to avoid overloading vessels, noting that many accidents are preventable through adherence to the water transportation code. He reiterated the importance of wearing life jackets before embarking on journeys to enhance safety.
The Minister expressed condolences to the Niger State Government and the families affected by a recent tragic boat accident on the Gbajibo River. He urged state governments, particularly those in littoral regions, to collaborate with NIWA to address the persistent issue of accidents on the waterways.
As Nigeria continues to seek improvements in its water transportation system, Oyetola's call to action underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and regulatory enforcement to protect lives and promote investment in the sector.
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