The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has highlighted the urgent need for enhanced management and safety measures in the country’s waterways to mitigate the alarming rate of boat accidents. In a statement made by the President-General, Adewale Adeyanju, the union emphasized the importance of regular channelling of coastal waters, improved monitoring of boat operators, effective lighting systems, and the removal of wrecks from navigable areas. Adeyanju called on the federal government, particularly the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, to allocate resources to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), enabling them to better enforce safety regulations that could substantially reduce risks associated with marine transport.
Following a tragic incident earlier this month in Imore, Lagos State, where a boat accident led to the loss of lives, Adeyanju extended condolences to the families of victims and wished a swift recovery to the injured. His heartfelt remarks underscore the human cost of negligence and the need for intensified efforts to ensure safety on Nigerian waterways. The MWUN leader expressed a pressing concern that without proactive measures, such incidents could continue to claim lives and disrupt the livelihoods of those who depend on marine transportation.
In his remarks, Adeyanju commended the efforts of Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, the Managing Director of NIWA, for his prompt action in the wake of the Imore boat accident. His swift intervention played a critical role in rescuing survivors and ensuring that those injured received timely medical attention. By highlighting Oyebamiji’s decisive response, Adeyanju reflected on the importance of leadership and responsibility in crisis management, recognizing that well-coordinated efforts can significantly improve outcomes during emergencies.
Additionally, the union acknowledged NIWA’s commitment to accountability in the wake of the accident. Adeyanju noted that holding responsible parties accountable not only provides justice but also acts as a deterrent against future negligence, promoting a culture of responsibility within the marine transport sector. The call for accountability aligns with broader safety principles that emphasize the role of regulatory enforcement in preventing marine accidents, thereby fostering a safer environment for all users of the waterways.
MWUN also recognized NIWA’s ongoing initiatives aimed at improving safety protocols, particularly through the introduction of the NIWA River Marshall project. This initiative is designed to bolster security and safety measures across Nigeria’s waterways, which have been marked by increasing incidents of accidents, often stemming from insufficient oversight and safety enforcement. Adeyanju called for further empowerment of such initiatives, asserting that collaboration among stakeholders is essential for fostering a safer boating culture in Nigeria.
Finally, the recent boat accident involving a fiberglass vessel owned by Only God Marine Ltd underscores the dire need for adherence to safety standards. Preliminary investigations revealed that the accident was attributed to obstructed visibility due to heavy cargo and failure to comply with safety protocols. This incident serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of negligence and the critical importance of rigorous monitoring and enforcement of safety regulations on waterways. Adeyanju concluded that the collective efforts of all stakeholders must now prioritize safety in marine operations to prevent further tragedies.
