A civil society organisation has attributed the recent boat mishaps across Nigeria to the country’s lack of a coordinated national water transport strategy, urging the government to act swiftly to prevent further loss of lives.
Concern Over Rising Incidents
The group, which focuses on transport safety and policy reform, expressed concern over the increasing number of boat accidents in different states, saying they expose deep weaknesses in Nigeria’s inland water transport system. Many of these incidents, it said, stem from poor enforcement of safety regulations, untrained operators, and inadequate emergency response measures.
According to the organisation, Nigeria’s inland waterways are vital for economic activities and movement of people, especially in rural communities, yet the sector continues to operate without a comprehensive national policy to guide operations, safety standards, and oversight.
Call for a National Water Transport Policy
The group called on the Federal Government to develop and implement a clear National Water Transport Strategy that would address infrastructure, safety, and regulation. It stressed that without such a framework, state governments and private operators will continue to work in isolation, leaving passengers at risk.
The proposed strategy, according to the group, should include:
- Proper registration and inspection of all boats and ferries.
- Mandatory life jackets and safety training for operators.
- Designated routes and standard operating times for water transport.
- Emergency rescue units in high-traffic waterways.
- Collaboration with maritime experts to ensure compliance.
Appeal for Government Action
The group also urged the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and state transport ministries to strengthen monitoring and ensure that safety regulations are not only set but actively enforced.
It emphasized that beyond enforcement, awareness and education for passengers and operators are equally critical, as many accidents occur due to overloading, poor maintenance, or disregard for weather warnings.
Preventable Tragedies
The organisation lamented that Nigeria continues to lose citizens to preventable water transport disasters, often caused by neglect and lack of coordination between agencies. It noted that with the right planning and investment, water transportation could be one of the safest and most efficient modes of travel in the country.
The group concluded by calling on policymakers to treat the recurring boat tragedies as a national emergency that demands urgent, unified, and sustained attention.
