NIWA Bans Unauthorized Boat Loading Points, Calls for Passage of Coastal Guards Bill

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced a nationwide ban on all unauthorized boat loading points as part of intensified efforts to improve safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, NIWA Managing Director Mr. Bola Oyebamiji emphasized the need to curb the rising cases of boat mishaps. He also urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Coastal Guards Bill to bolster safety and regulatory enforcement on waterways.

“No commercial passenger boat shall be allowed to load from any point other than those recognised and registered by NIWA,” Oyebamiji stated.

He further outlined key safety directives:

• All commercial boats must enforce the mandatory use of life jackets for every passenger.

• Boats must clearly display their name letters and load lines.

• Unlicensed boats and watercrafts are to be removed from all waterways.

• All unlicensed boat operators are banned from operating on Nigeria’s waterways.

Oyebamiji highlighted NIWA’s expanded safety initiatives, including:

• Increasing the number of water marshals from 80 to 350 personnel, to ensure enforcement of safety regulations and conduct pre-departure safety briefings.

• Deployment of passenger manifests at all approved jetties and loading points to record passenger data.

• Installation of marine navigational buoys and ongoing hydrographic surveys to support safe navigation.

• Continuous removal of aquatic waste, logs, and wrecks from waterways.

• Ongoing training for boat operators to enhance compliance with safety protocols.

The NIWA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to making Nigeria’s waterways safer and more efficient for commercial and passenger transport.