LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Boat mishaps have become increasingly prevalent in Nigeria, with a rising number of incidents attributed to the growing patronage of water transportation.
Nigeria has many rivers and waterways, the second most in Africa. The Niger River and the Benue River, the country’s two longest rivers, converge at Lokoja, effectively dividing Nigeria into east, west, and north sections. These waterways, along with numerous others, have long served as crucial channels for transportation.
According to statistics from the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), water transportation is utilized in 22 out of Nigeria’s 36 states. However, this mode of transport is not without its challenges. In 2013 alone, over 296 lives were lost due to boat mishaps, shedding light on the need for improved safety measures and infrastructure.
A String of Tragic Incident
Based on the data collected from reports on boat mishaps spanning from 2014 to 2022, it is evident that Niger, Rivers, and Bayelsa states have exhibited the highest incidence of accidents. In the coastal regions of Rivers and Bayelsa states, a total of 557 fatalities have been recorded, accompanied by an additional 112 individuals whose bodies remain unaccounted for, as they were never retrieved.
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Approximately 279 lives have tragically been lost in boat accidents across various parts of Nigeria from January to October in the year 2023.
This number reflects the full extent of the tragic boat accidents, including the incident in Kwara State on 12 June, where no fewer than 106 people lost their lives when a boat carrying 217 passengers capsized. The causes of these accidents vary and include overloading, careless driving, poor boat maintenance, non-usage of life jackets, submerged objects, bad weather, and unspecified causes.
These numbers serve as a stark reminder of the pressing need for improved safety measures and stricter regulation of water transportation in Nigeria to prevent further loss of lives, especially among women and children.
Neglected Infrastructure and Human Capacity
One of the primary factors contributing to boat accidents in Nigeria is the neglect of both infrastructure and human capacity in the sector. Agencies like NIWA, tasked with managing waterways, have faced issues of underfunding and mismanagement. Obsolete equipment and inadequately trained staff further exacerbate the problem, resulting in tragic losses of both lives and goods.
Safety Measures and Overloading
Another major challenge is the lack of adherence to safety measures by boat riders and passengers. Many boat operators rely solely on their knowledge of water channels, operating without proper training or safety certifications. Boats are often overloaded with passengers and goods, which significantly increases the likelihood of accidents. Passengers, too, frequently ignore safety measures, including the use of life jackets.
Militancy and Piracy
Militancy and piracy pose additional threats to water transportation in Nigeria. Frequent attacks on barges, fishing boats, and passenger vessels have resulted in the loss of lives and property. Kidnappings and ransom demands have become common, instilling fear among boat operators and passengers alike.
Calls for Change
The frequency and severity of boat mishaps in Nigeria are cause for concern. Experts and stakeholders have called for a change in the country’s governance and safety standards. Accountability for negligence and dereliction of duty is essential. Nigeria must prioritize the dredging and clearing of waterways to ensure safe and unobstructed passage for passengers.
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To improve water transportation in Nigeria, it is recommended that the Federal Government continue its efforts to implement policy reforms and restructuring within the Inland Waterways Authority. These measures aim to enhance the safety and competitiveness of water transport in the country.
A Comprehensive Probe
In response to these challenges, President Bola Tinubu has directed law enforcement and regulatory agencies to collaborate and investigate the root causes of boat disasters across the country. This comprehensive probe seeks to uncover the underlying factors contributing to boat accidents in Nigeria.
As the nation mourns the lives lost in these tragic incidents, there is a pressing need to reevaluate and enhance safety measures, regulatory enforcement, and infrastructure development in Nigeria’s water transportation sector. Only through concerted efforts and a commitment to change can Nigeria’s waterways become safer for all who depend on them for their livelihoods and transportation needs.