The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), last week called on the boat operators in Lagos state to comply with safety regulations so as to prevent accidents on waterways.
The Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Mr. Muazu Sambo who made the call at a stakeholders meeting in Lagos stated that the call became necessary following incessant boat mishaps on the waterways in recent times.
Sambo also stressed the importance of a standard lifejackets which every boat operator according to him must have on board.
According to him, “NIWA is not happy with the mishap happening on waterways that is why we are making every move to prevent the incessant boat accidents. Part of the move is to ensure that boat operators comply with safety rules on the waterways”.
The Area Manager advocated the need for an orderly sitting arrangement on board, well trained sailors and to brief the passengers on the safety measures that have been put in place even as he pledged his full support for smooth sailing on the waterways to prevent accident and other mishaps on the waterways.
He advised boat operators to get certificate of competence from Nigerian Maritime and Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) before operating on the waterways.
“Any boat operator operating without this certificate before March 2015 will be sanctioned. Heavy fine will be paid by such operators if caught violating the safety rules,” Sambo said.
