Safety on Waterways: NIWA Embarks on Enforcement of Life Jacket Use in Kogi
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has launched an enforcement exercise to ensure the compulsory use of life jackets while boarding boats in riverine communities within Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
This initiative aims to reduce casualties in the event of boat mishaps.
The Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, represented by the Manager of the Lokoja Area Office, Engr. Titus Adoga, stated that the authority will not allow boarding of boats without the wearing of life jackets. The enforcement team will physically check boat operators and passengers to ensure compliance and reduce accidents.
NIWA had earlier carried out public enlightenment and sensitization campaigns through radio stations to inform boat operators about the hazards of not wearing life jackets and the importance of making it compulsory for passengers to wear them before boarding any boat.
The Area Manager attributed the significant reduction in water mishaps in Lokoja recently to sustained sensitization and enforcement of water transport regulatory measures across all waterfronts.
He revealed that some defaulters have been arrested and taken to the Area office of NIWA in Lokoja for further investigation and appropriate sanctions.
NIWA has partnered with the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Navy, Maritime Police, and its own NIWA Police to enforce the rules more effectively.
The partnerships aim to ensure that boat operators always wear life jackets, avoid night travel, and refrain from overloading boats.
Some boat operators have complained about the inadequacy of life jackets. Engr. Adoga stated that the Federal Government, through Maritime, NEMA, and other agencies, has given out several life jackets to some boat operators.
However, he advised them to always get in touch with the sellers of life jackets to purchase more for their use.
One of the boat operators, Alhaji Adamu Suleman, applauded the enforcement team, describing it as timely and impressive.
The Secretary of the Maritime Union, Tanko Muhammad, called on the Federal Government and NIWA management to purchase more life jackets and supply them to boat operators, adding that the jackets are inadequate for their passengers.
Another boat operator, Abdulrazaq Aminu, assured NIWA officials of their willingness to cooperate with them.
He commended the enforcement team, saying that the move was timely and calls for more sensitization and public enlightenment.
