The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced an immediate ban on all loading activities from unauthorised points across Nigeria, in a move aimed at reducing boat accidents and enhancing safety on the nation’s inland waterways.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, NIWA Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, stated, “NIWA has placed an immediate ban on loading activities from all unauthorised loading points across the country. No commercial passenger boat shall be allowed to load from any point other than those recognised and registered by NIWA.”
He further outlined mandatory safety measures for commercial boats, including the provision and strict enforcement of lifejacket use for all passengers. “Every commercial passenger boat must properly display its Boat Name Letters and Load line,” Oyebamiji emphasized.
In addition, the authority directed the immediate removal of all unlicensed boats and watercraft from the nation’s waterways, reinforcing its commitment to safe and regulated inland water transportation.
The new regulations come as part of NIWA’s broader strategy to curb accidents, which the authority says have been reduced by more than 70% in recent years through improved enforcement and safety measures.
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NIWA Imposes Nationwide Ban on Unauthorised Boat Loading to Boost Waterway Safety
