In a significant move to curb accidents and improve standards, the Federal Government has successfully trained 75 boat operators from southwestern Nigeria in critical safety and navigation skills.
Boosting Safety Through Capacity Building
The three-day intensive training programme was held from December 22 to 24, 2025. It was organized by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in partnership with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). The initiative directly responds to recommendations from investigation reports initiated under the former NIWA Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji.
Participants were drawn from three states: Lagos, Ogun, and Ondo. They represented major industry associations, ensuring wide impact. These groups included:
- The Maritime Workers Union
- The Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATAN)
- The Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN)
A Practical, Life-Saving Curriculum
The training was designed to equip operators for the official Certificate in Safe Boating and Navigation. Dr. Sileola Akinbowale, the Lead Trainer and Consultant, emphasized that the programme was a life-saving initiative. She confirmed it combined classroom theory with hands-on practical sessions at the jetty for maximum effectiveness.
Participants gained competency in several crucial areas:
- Boat handling and navigation
- Safety procedures and emergency response
- First aid and engine maintenance
- Effective waterway transport management
Sustained Efforts for Safer Waterways
At the closing ceremony, Timothy Clement from the NIWA Lagos Area Office stated the training was a key intervention to reduce accidents. He attributed many past mishaps to operators' limited technical knowledge and experience.
Clement outlined NIWA's broader safety campaign, which includes:
- Removing wrecks to clear navigation routes
- Continuous sensitisation exercises at jetties along major routes like CMS, Ikorodu, Badore, Badagry, and Port Novo
- Encouraging boat owners to release more captains and skippers for training
He revealed that NIWA had conducted awareness campaigns two to three times this year alone across various jetties, expressing optimism for markedly improved safety by the end of 2026.
Dr. Akinbowale and participants like Pami Ronald, leader of the Ogun State delegation, praised the commitment of the Federal Government and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. They stressed that sustaining such capacity-building efforts is vital for saving lives and fostering professionalism on Nigeria's inland waterways.
