The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji, has identified human errors, drug use, and disregard for regulations as the main causes of boat accidents in Nigeria over the past three years.
Oyebamiji made this statement on Wednesday while addressing members of the House of Representatives Committee on NIWA during their oversight visit to the authority’s headquarters in Lokoja, Kogi State.
“Research shows that 99 percent of accidents on the waterways are caused by human errors,” Oyebamiji said. “Operators are making avoidable mistakes. Some live on drugs to stay high, leading to terrible decisions.”
He also criticized operators who flout safety regulations, saying, “Imagine wooden boats carrying over 150 to 200 passengers, far beyond their capacity.” Oyebamiji added that many operators fail to provide life jackets for passengers, further endangering lives.
The NIWA boss said penalties for offenders, such as the current N30,000 fine, are insufficient and called for stricter enforcement of the recently signed transportation code.
Chairman of the House Committee on NIWA, Ojema Ojotu, led the oversight team of seven members. He emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s inland waterways in improving transportation, reducing road congestion, and boosting economic growth.
“Inland waterways are crucial for connecting regions, enhancing trade, and supporting our logistics chain,” Ojotu said. “We must address challenges like recurring boat mishaps, flooding, and outdated infrastructure to improve safety and efficiency.”
Ojotu also stressed the need for dredging waterways to unlock their full potential, adding that modern equipment and better-trained personnel are essential for safety enforcement and emergency responses.
“Traditional funding methods may not be enough. We must explore alternative financing like public-private partnerships to bridge gaps in infrastructure and capacity building,” Ojotu said.
He assured that the committee would advocate for policies and budgets that prioritize inland waterways, promote safety, and support sustainable development.
