Boat Mishap: State Govts’ Collaboration Pivotal To Safer Inland Waterways Transport – NIWA MD, Oyebamiji
By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
As part of efforts to put a permanent end to boat mishap in the country and enhance security and safety on inland waterways, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji has advocated for collaborative effort between the federal and state governments.
Oyebamiji noted that the collaboration is sine qua non at complementing the NIWA’s genuine efforts to properly nip in the bud ugly occurrences occasioned by recalcitrant boat operators.
Speaking at a one-day consultative forum on safety and security on inland waterways, organized by the Nigeria Transportation Commissioners’ Forum in Ilorin, Oyebamiji emphasized the critical role that safety and security play in fostering a thriving water transportation system.
The forum, themed “Prevalent Safety, Security Hazards and Practices in Inland Waterways: Passenger Transport Safety in Ilorin, Kwara State,” sought to address the pressing issues facing the inland waterways sector.
Oyebamiji acknowledged the ongoing efforts by NIWA to improve safety, such as the recent unveiling of the transportation code for public use, the inauguration of several operational assets including survey boats, gunboats, water ambulances, and a passenger ferry.
He also noted that safety campaigns have been launched across all operational bases, targeting local communities in their native languages.
The NIWA CEO highlighted the support from the National Assembly, including the ongoing discussions on establishing coastal guards and the attention safety and security on inland waterways received from the House Committee on Inland Waterways.
Oyebamiji appealed to the Commissioners for Transportation across relevant states to collaborate with NIWA in areas such as training, safety campaigns, infrastructure development, and financial empowerment.
He stressed that while the challenges are significant, they are surmountable through collective action.
Oyebamiji expressed optimism for actionable and implementable outcomes from the forum, which he believes will contribute significantly to ensuring safer and more secure inland waterways in the country.