The National Inland Waterways Authority has announced a sweeping crackdown on unlicensed boat operations and unauthorised loading points nationwide, following a recent string of deadly accidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The move comes amid growing public concern over passenger safety and the increasing number of tragedies involving commercial boats across the country.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, NIWA Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, explained that the new measures aim to enforce strict compliance with existing safety regulations.
“NIWA has placed an immediate ban on loading activities from all unauthorised loading points across the country. No commercial passenger boat shall be allowed to load from any point other than those recognised and registered by NIWA,” Oyebamiji declared.
According to NIWA, several high-profile accidents in recent months could have been prevented if operators adhered to authorised boarding and disembarkation locations.
In response, the authority is now intensifying inspections along major inland waterways, with officials empowered to arrest operators found violating the regulations.
Oyebamiji emphasised that the crackdown is not intended to disrupt commerce but to protect lives.
“Our priority is to ensure that passengers and crew can travel safely. Unsafe practices, including loading at unapproved points, put countless lives at risk, and we will not compromise on enforcement,” he said.
In addition to the ban on unauthorised loading, NIWA plans to introduce a certification program for boat operators and staff to enhance safety knowledge and operational standards.
The initiative will involve mandatory safety drills, regular vessel inspections, and compliance checks to ensure adherence to maritime laws.
The authority urged passengers to cooperate by using only registered loading points and reporting any suspicious or unsafe operations.
NIWA’s proactive approach signals a commitment to transforming Nigeria’s inland waterways into a safer transport system and reducing the frequency of preventable accidents.