NIWA threatens arrest, vessel seizure for safety violations during Sallah

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The National Inland Waterways Authority has threatened to arrest and prosecute boat operators who violate waterways safety regulations during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, warning that vessels involved in unsafe practices would also be seized.

Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIWA, Umar Yusuf Girei, issued the warning during an interview with journalists at the Authority’s headquarters in Lokoja, stressing that the agency would not tolerate actions capable of endangering lives on the nation’s inland waterways during the festive season.

According to him, the Sallah period traditionally records increased passenger traffic across riverine communities, making strict enforcement of waterways safety measures necessary to prevent avoidable accidents and fatalities.

Girei specifically warned operators against overloading boats, operating without life jackets, embarking on night journeys, and consuming alcohol while navigating waterways.

“No overload, wearing of life jackets is mandatory, no night travel, no alcohol, and operators must ensure proper weather checks before embarking on any journey,” he stated.

The NIWA boss disclosed that enforcement teams, working alongside security agencies and other relevant stakeholders, would be deployed across jetties and waterways nationwide to monitor compliance throughout the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

He warned that any operator found violating safety regulations would face arrest, seizure of vessels, and possible prosecution in line with existing laws guiding inland waterways transportation.

Girei also appealed to passengers to take personal responsibility for their safety by refusing to board overloaded boats or vessels operating without adequate safety equipment.

He further urged travellers to avoid night travel on waterways, noting that poor visibility and adverse weather conditions often increase the risk of accidents.

Nigeria has witnessed several tragic boat mishaps in recent years, with many incidents linked to overloading, non-use of life jackets, poor maintenance culture, and disregard for weather advisories.

The NIWA Acting Managing Director said the Authority was intensifying public sensitisation campaigns ahead of the festive season and called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to support efforts aimed at promoting safety awareness in riverine communities.

While extending Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslim faithful, Girei reaffirmed NIWA’s commitment to ensuring safe, efficient, and regulated waterways transportation across the country.