Eid-el-Kabir: NIWA cracks down on reckless boat operations, urges calm over Supreme Court verdict
By Maureen Aguta
The Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Umar Yusuf Girei, has issued a strong warning to boat operators across the country to comply strictly with waterways safety regulations ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
Speaking with journalists at the Authority’s headquarters in Lokoja, Girei said the festive season traditionally records a surge in passenger movement along Nigeria’s inland waterways, especially in riverine communities, making strict adherence to safety measures imperative.
He declared that the Authority would not tolerate violations capable of endangering lives, stressing that overloading, night travel, and operating boats under the influence of alcohol remain prohibited.
According to him, the use of life jackets by both passengers and operators is mandatory, while operators must also obtain proper weather updates before embarking on any trip.
“No overload, wearing of life jackets is mandatory, no night travel, no alcohol, and operators must ensure proper weather checks before embarking on any journey,” he stated.
Girei disclosed that NIWA, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, would deploy enforcement teams across major jetties nationwide during the Sallah period to monitor compliance and enforce safety regulations.
He warned that operators found violating safety rules risk arrest, seizure of their vessels, and possible prosecution.
The NIWA boss also appealed to passengers to avoid boarding overloaded boats or vessels operating without adequate safety equipment, particularly life jackets. He further advised travellers to reject night journeys, which he described as a major risk factor in waterways accidents.
Extending Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslim faithful, Girei called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and religious clerics to intensify public enlightenment campaigns on waterways safety during sermons and community engagements.
Meanwhile, the Acting NIWA Managing Director urged stakeholders and clients of the Authority not to panic over the recent Supreme Court judgment affecting portions of the NIWA Act.
He explained that the apex court affirmed NIWA’s statutory powers over inland waterways navigation, safety regulation, channel management, river infrastructure development, and the promotion of inland waterways transportation as provided under Sections 10 and 11 of the Act.
According to him, the Supreme Court only voided Sections 12 and 13 of the NIWA Act to the extent that they relate to land matters outside maritime activities and conflict with constitutional provisions.
Girei assured stakeholders that NIWA remains fully operational and committed to its regulatory responsibilities, urging the public to remain calm and law-abiding pending the release of the Certified True Copy of the judgment and an official statement from the Authority.
“We urge all stakeholders to remain calm and await NIWA’s official position after obtaining the Certified True Copy of the judgment,” he said.