NIWA intensifies boat safety campaign in Niger to curb accidents, enforcing “No Life Jacket, No Boarding” rule across waterways

NIWA intensifies boat safety campaign in Niger State as part of renewed efforts to curb recurring boat accidents and enforce stricter compliance with water transport regulations.

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The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) held the awareness drive in Zumba, Shiroro Local Government Area, under the theme “Safety and Safe Trip – Zero Tolerance to Boat Mishap.”

Mr Akapo Adeboye, NIWA’s Area Manager for Niger and Kwara, said the campaign formed part of the agency’s continuous strategy to enhance safety standards and ensure boat operators and passengers adhere to rules governing inland waterways.

According to him, the sensitisation focused on the “No Life Jacket, No Boarding” directive, alongside warnings against overloading, speeding, and night travel.

“We are here as a taskforce for the safety of lives and property,” Adeboye said. “Our message is clear: no life jacket, no boarding, no overloading, no speeding, and no night travel.”

The campaign, carried out in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Marine Police, and local boat unions, also featured the distribution of life jackets to operators and passengers.

Adeboye reaffirmed that NIWA maintains a zero tolerance for non-compliance, stressing that offenders would face strict sanctions, including boat seizure and prosecution.

He commended the NIWA Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for their unwavering support toward promoting waterway safety.

Mr Hussaini Isah, NEMA’s Head of Operations in Niger, expressed concern over the rising number of boat mishaps in riverine communities such as Shiroro and New Bussa, which have caused significant loss of lives and livelihoods.

Isah noted that NEMA would continue to partner with NIWA in awareness and enforcement drives, describing public sensitisation as crucial to preventing fatalities.

“People must understand the importance of wearing life jackets, and boat owners must ensure proper maintenance of their boats to avoid accidents,” he said.

In his remarks, Alhaji Sala Altine, Chairman of Boat Drivers in Zumba, praised NIWA’s intervention and called for greater collaboration with enforcement agencies.

“We’ve been sensitising our people, but enforcement will be easier once the state domesticates the National Inland Waterways law,” he said.

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Observers believe the NIWA intensifies boat safety campaign initiative marks a proactive step toward safer and more accountable inland water transportation in Nigeria.