NIWA targets December deadline for recruitment of 800 water marshals

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is set to recruit and deploy approximately 800 water marshals across Nigeria by December 2025, aiming to bolster safety and regulation on the country’s waterways.

Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director of NIWA’s who made the revelation stated that the move seeks to curb frequent boat accidents, enforce life jacket use, and monitor unauthorized loading points.

Addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, Oyebamiji stated that currently, NIWA has between 350 and 450 water marshals, and the new recruits will help ensure authorized jetties have adequate personnel to enforce safety rules, complementing existing monitoring teams and task forces in riverine areas, sensitise passengers and operators on safe navigation practices.

“The Federal Government is doing a wonderful job on water safety. We have all the gadgets to enhance safety.

“We currently have between 350 and 450 water marshals and the goal is to increase the number of marshals to ensure that authorised jetties across the country have more than one marshal to enforce safety rules.

“All the equipment and the navigational aids we need are provided and we plan to have more police and more marshals to monitor our waterways because they are not enough.

“We are working to increase the number before the end of the year to 800 if we have the opportunity to finance it,” he said.

Oyebamiji said there were about four to five monitoring teams, including task forces deployed across all waterways, especially in riverine areas to complement efforts of the water marshals.

He urged boat users to adhere to safety rules and instructions given by water marshals before takeoff for their own safety and benefit.

Oyebamiji emphasized that boat users should abandon superstitions surrounding water protection and instead follow scientifically proven safety measures, particularly wearing life jackets, which significantly boost survival chances in accidents. He urged the National Assembly to accelerate the passage of the Coastal Guard Bill to bolster maritime safety frameworks. Additionally, Oyebamiji highlighted the importance of partnerships with state governments in riverine areas to collectively improve water safety standards and outcomes.

Overlanded wooden boat

The NIWA boss underscored that adherence to safety guidelines given by water marshals is crucial for passengers’ safety. He pointed out that current efforts include deployment of monitoring teams and task forces across waterways, aiming for comprehensive coverage and enforcement of safety regulations.

Collaboration and compliance were key themes in Oyebamiji’s message, urging boat operators and passengers to prioritize scientifically recommended practices like life jacket usage. He also called for stronger backing from legislative and governmental bodies to support water safety initiatives like the proposed Coastal Guard Bill.