Bola Oyebamiji, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has announced significant plans to enhance navigation safety on Nigeria’s waterways by outsourcing the removal of water hyacinth and harvesting activities to private contractors. This decision is aimed at improving the safe transport of passengers and goods across the six geopolitical zones of the country. During a media engagement in Lagos, Oyebamiji explained that the authority consciously opted against the purchase of new equipment, choosing instead to collaborate with qualified contractors who possess a proven track record in managing such tasks effectively. This strategic pivot aligns with NIWA’s overarching goal of ensuring that the waterway system operates smoothly and securely.
Despite previous achievements, Oyebamiji acknowledged the ongoing safety and security challenges that threaten the authority’s progress. He highlighted the recent implementation of the 2023 Water Transportation Code and reported the deployment of 15 new boats with varying capacities since the agency has prioritized bolstering infrastructural support for safer navigation. Moreover, the authority has aggressively pursued grassroots safety campaigns, indicating a commitment to enhancing public awareness regarding safe water transport practices. This outreach effort marks some of the most extensive engagement activities NIWA has undertaken within a single year, showcasing the agency’s focus on education and prevention.
A notable initiative that emerged under Oyebamiji’s leadership is the expanded water marshal program, crucial in monitoring safety on the inland waterways. Since its inception, the number of water marshals has skyrocketed from just 80 to 350 personnel within a mere three months. This substantial increase underscores NIWA’s commitment to bolstering its workforce dedicated to overseeing operations at various loading points nationwide. The water marshals are tasked with critically observing boat operators, and passengers, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations, which is especially vital given the backdrop of growing safety concerns in marine navigation.
Oyebamiji has also directed his team to implement around-the-clock surveillance at strategic locations to curb safe transportation practices, addressing night travel and issues related to overloading of boats. Recognizing that incidents of insecurity and accidents often overshadow the agency’s successes, he underscored the significance of ongoing efforts to mitigate these risks effectively. He identified a dual challenge posed by both safety concerns and insecurity, noting that they pose a significant barrier to fully realizing NIWA’s potential and achievements in water transport management.
The managing director further emphasized the importance of public education in curbing accidents, noting that human error is the leading cause of incidents on the waterways. He pointed out that poor attitudes and a disregard for safety protocols are the primary reasons behind these errors. Oyebamiji called on various stakeholders—including the press and community leaders—to rally together in promoting safety consciousness among the populace. He believes that an informed and safety-savvy public can significantly contribute to reducing accidents and enhancing the overall safety of water transportation.
In summary, Oyebamiji’s proactive approach to outsourcing water hyacinth management, coupled with the expansion of the water marshal program and ongoing safety campaigns, reflect a strategic commitment to fostering a safer environment for boaters and passengers alike. By focusing on collaboration with private sectors and emphasizing education and compliance with safety protocols, NIWA aims to confront the challenges of safety and insecurity on Nigeria’s inland waterways head-on, ensuring that the progress achieved serves as a foundation for future advancements in water transport.
