Bunu lauds Minister on phase-out of wooden boats, says strict enforcement will end waterway deaths
Maureen Aguta
The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, HE Adegboyega Oyetola (CON), for the decision to phase out wooden boats from Nigeria’s waterways, describing the move as a decisive step toward ending the recurring loss of lives in inland water transport accidents.
President-General of MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, said the Minister’s pronouncement reflects the Federal Government’s determination to confront the culture of negligence, carelessness and persistent disregard for safety regulations that has continued to endanger passengers on the nation’s waterways.
Bunu noted that safety regulatory agencies have repeatedly warned boat operators and passengers against night operations beyond 6:00 p.m., overloading of vessels and failure to wear life jackets. However, he said these basic rules are often ignored, with tragic consequences.
“The Minister’s action is firm, proactive and long overdue,” Bunu said. “Many of the deaths recorded on our waterways were avoidable. Strict compliance with existing safety regulations would have saved lives and spared families unnecessary grief.”
He stressed that water transportation should ordinarily be one of the safest, fastest and most enjoyable modes of transport, especially as an alternative to Nigeria’s congested road network. According to him, reckless operations, unseaworthy boats and weak enforcement have continued to undermine safety and public confidence in the sector.
The MWUN leader observed that many wooden boats currently in operation are rickety, poorly maintained and unfit for commercial passenger services, adding that their continued use largely explains the government’s decision to phase them out.
While applauding the policy, Bunu urged the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies to extend strict enforcement to fibre boats and other motorised vessels, noting that excessive speed and unsafe practices are not limited to wooden boats alone.
“For lasting safety on our waterways, enforcement must be comprehensive,” he said. “Erring boat drivers and owners must be sanctioned accordingly if Nigeria is to achieve a safe, efficient and dignified water transportation system.”
Bunu concluded that the Minister’s directive should serve as a warning to operators and passengers alike, adding that only consistent enforcement of safety standards will bring an end to avoidable deaths on Nigeria’s waterways.