The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has issued a stern warning to boat operators across Nigeria to strictly adhere to waterways safety regulations during the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. Violators risk arrest, seizure of vessels, and prosecution, the agency stated.
NIWA's Safety Directives
Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Umar Girei, noted that festive periods often see increased movement on inland waterways, particularly within riverine communities. He emphasized that compliance with safety measures during the festive season remains non-negotiable.
Girei stressed that overloading of boats will not be tolerated, while the use of life jackets by all passengers and operators remains compulsory. He also warned against night travel, alcohol consumption by operators, and disregard for weather advisories.
“No overload, wearing of life jackets is mandatory, no night travel, no alcohol, and operators must ensure proper weather checks before embarking on any journey,” Girei stated.
Enforcement and Collaboration
The NIWA boss further disclosed that enforcement teams, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, will be deployed across jetties nationwide to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations. He reiterated that violators risk arrest, seizure of vessels, and prosecution.
Girei also urged passengers to avoid boarding overloaded boats, vessels without adequate life jackets, or boats attempting to operate at night. While extending Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslim faithful, he appealed to community and religious leaders to help amplify waterways safety awareness during sermons and public gatherings.
Supreme Court Judgment Clarification
Meanwhile, Girei advised stakeholders and clients of NIWA not to panic over the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning aspects of the NIWA Act. He explained that the apex court upheld the Authority’s statutory responsibilities relating to inland waterways navigation, safety regulation, channel management, river infrastructure development, and the promotion of inland waterways transportation as contained in Sections 10 and 11 of the NIWA Act.
According to him, Sections 12 and 13 of the Act, which deal with land matters unrelated to maritime activities, were voided by the Supreme Court only to the extent of their inconsistency with the Constitution. Girei urged all stakeholders to remain calm, law-abiding, and await an official statement from NIWA after the Authority obtains the Certified True Copy of the judgment from the Supreme Court.
