The federal authorities has arrange a committee to forestall boat mishaps in response to the rising incidents of waterway accidents which have claimed lives and property.
The committee, inaugurated Friday by Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue financial system, is tasked with reviewing industrial boat operations, figuring out the foundation causes of accidents, and recommending long-term options.
Oyetola, talking on the inauguration, described Nigeria’s waterways as important to commerce, transportation, and livelihoods however acknowledged the recurring tragedies which have plagued the sector.
“Our waterways are lifelines that join communities and drive financial development. Nonetheless, the frequent tragic boat mishaps throughout the nation have posed important challenges, ensuing within the lack of lives and properties. This case calls for pressing intervention,” he stated.
The urgency of the intervention follows a string of deadly boat accidents throughout the nation.
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In August 2024, no fewer than 20 individuals misplaced their lives when the engine of a picket boat popularly referred to as ‘Denghe’ exploded in the course of a neighborhood river in Southern Ijaw Native Authorities Space of the Bayelsa State whereas transporting passengers to Yenagoa, a tragic remake of 2023 when a industrial boat travelling from Yenagoa to Brass in Bayelsa suffered an accident brought on by dangerous climate and engine failure, leading to lack of lives.
Extra not too long ago, in November 2024, a ship transporting about 200 passengers from Kogi state to a meals market in Niger state, capsised on the Niger River, resulting in a number of fatalities, reportedly as a consequence of overloading and a scarcity of life jackets.
The Ikorodu-Island water route has been infamous for boat mishaps, as a number of media reviews have carried information of repeated accidents and deadly mishaps on the waterways. In February final 12 months, a 17-seater boat, loaded with 14 passengers, was concerned in an accident alongside the Ibeshe/Ikorodu channel en path to Ebute Ipakodo Ikorodu. The incident killed three folks.
In keeping with the Marine Crafts Builders Affiliation of Nigeria (MCBAN), Nigeria recorded over 3,000 boat accidents in only a decade, and reviews from Nigerian media showboat accidents claimed between 200 and 400 lives in 2024.
Chaired by Bola Oyebamiji, managing director of the Nationwide Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the committee contains representatives from 4 states, Benue, Kebbi, Kogi, and Niger, in addition to trade consultants and stakeholders from regulatory companies, boat operators, and marine specialists. Adams Offie, Deputy Director of the Inland Waterways Division, will function Secretary.
Regardless of NIWA’s efforts, the frequency of boat accidents has remained a critical concern. Oyebamiji, talking on behalf of the newly fashioned committee, recommended the minister’s management and guaranteed that the crew would ship on its mandate.
“I…want to guarantee you that the boldness reposed on this committee is not going to be betrayed,” he stated.
The transfer aligns with the 2024 Worldwide World Maritime Day’s theme, “Navigating the Future: Security First,” reinforcing Nigeria’s dedication to international maritime security requirements.
Bethel Olujobi
Bethel is a journalist reporting on migration, and Nigeria’s diaspora relations for BusinessDay. He holds a Bachelor’s diploma in Mass Communication from the College of Jos, and is licensed by Reuters and Google. Drawing from his expertise working with different revered information suppliers, he presents a nuanced and knowledgeable perspective on the complexities of important issues. He’s based mostly in Lagos, Nigeria and infrequently commutes to Abuja.
