The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre, SEREC has urged the Special Committee set up by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola to review and recommend the most efficient way to administer the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA to stem the tide of accidents in the Nigeria inland waterways to prioritize the safety and viability of commercial boat operations in the inland waterways transport system in Nigeria.
It also urged the Committee to take into account the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the different regions, the present workforce of NIWA, and the environmental concerns associated with water hyacinth and water topographic challenges in its report.
The Head of Research, Sea Empowerment and Research Centre, Dr. Eugene Nweke who made these appeals in a statement in Lagos, posited that some of the rivers and channels for inland waterways transport are not too navigable, occasioned by water draft challenges due to poor dredging activities.
This, he said, is a significant concern, as it not only affects the safety of commercial boat operations but also limits the potential of the inland waterways to contribute to the nation’s economy.
Noting that the management of water hyacinth is another key challenge that needs to be addressed, he said, “While it’s commendable that water hyacinth is being harvested and processed for other agricultural needs (additional source of revenue from the Indian experience, this is key), it’s essential to ensure that this is done in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.”
He further appealed to the committee to consider the impact of water hyacinth on the inland waterways and recommend strategies for its effective management.
“In addition to these challenges, the committee should also consider the water topographic challenges that affect the inland waterways. This includes the varying water levels, currents, and depths that can impact the safety and efficiency of commercial boat operations.
“With consideration to the waterways across the length and breath of the nation, the Center believe that, it is crucial for the committee to ensure that its recommendations are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by different regions. For instance, the inland waterways in the northern and central regions may require specific attention due to their distinct geographical characteristics and usage patterns.
“The present workforce of NIWA is also a critical factor to consider, as their capacity and expertise will play a significant role in implementing the committee’s recommendations. It’s essential to assess the current workforce’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as identify areas where additional training or resources may be needed to support the effective administration of NIWA”, he added.
On the planned phasing out of the wooden boats and introduce quality, fibre/aluminum boats, the SEREC Head of Research advised the Committee to consider the potential impact on the workforce and the overall safety of the inland waterways saying, “The collaboration between NIWA and the indigenous boat manufacturing company is a step in the right direction, and the committee should build on this momentum to ensure that the new boats meet the required safety standards and specifications.”
Concluding, he said, “The SEREC is of the view that, by considering these factors and developing a comprehensive plan, the committee can provide informed and practicable solutions to reduce accidents on the waterways to the barest minimum, as envisioned by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola.
“Finally, as an advise to the committee, the Center wish to remind and urge the committee to do a thorough job with this crucial assignment, as the maritime industry stakeholders are expectant and desirous of a positive changes in the NIWA administration’s responsiveness and operational narratives.
“As such, the committee may reconsider the 21 day timeline given to it by the Honourable Minister and request for a month timeline, so as to cover the expected scope of its activities.
“The committee may also have the need to look into the reports and recommendations of similar previous committees, it may help to fast track its assignment.”
It will be recalled that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, recently set up a 7-man Special Committee to address incessant boat mishaps in the nation’s inland waterways.
The Committee has the following as its terms of reference: a. Review the existing commercial boat transport operations and assess:
i. Boat mishaps and its causative factors;
ii. Current boat operations safety & sbecurity compliance; and
iii. Existing boat specifications in relation to acceptable standards.
“b. Develop a comprehensive plan to address the findings from the assessment and guarantee safe commercial boat transport operations in Coastal and Inland Waterway;
c. Develop standard design specification for basic categories of commercial boats for Coastal and Inland Waterway; and
d. Consider any other related measures/issues as may be deemed appropriate for a safe and viable commercial boat operations in our coastal and Inland waterway transport system that would address incessant boat mishaps.
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