Deadly Accidents Force NIWA to Ban Unlicensed Boats and Operators

In a major move to curb the alarming rate of fatal boat accidents, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced a nationwide ban on all unlicensed boat operations. The directive, effective immediately, also prohibits commercial boats from loading passengers at any point not officially recognized and registered by the authority.

NIWA’s Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, stated that the new regulations are a direct response to a recent spate of deadly boat mishaps that have claimed dozens of lives. These tragedies, which have occurred in states like Niger and Sokoto, have been frequently attributed to overloaded vessels, unlicensed operators, and a general disregard for safety protocols.

To enforce the new rules, NIWA has instructed that all boats and watercraft operating without a valid license be removed from the waterways. Additionally, boat drivers who are not properly certified are now banned from operating. The authority emphasized that these measures are essential to ensure the safety of passengers and restore public confidence in inland water transportation.

The directive also makes it mandatory for all commercial passenger boats to clearly display their names and load lines, and to strictly enforce the use of life jackets by all on board. This crackdown is a crucial step towards creating a safer environment on Nigeria’s busy rivers and waterways.