- Lack of lighting, leading to increased risk of accidents at night
- Overloading, compromising the safety of passengers
- Operators often have limited education and training
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is taking steps to phase out wooden boats on inland waterways due to safety concerns. Wooden boats account for over 90% of boats on the waterways and are involved in most accidents, mainly because they disregard operational rules such as traveling at night, overloading, and failing to use life jackets.
Short-Term Solution
To address these issues, NIWA has increased its marshals at jetties from 80 to 350, covering the entire country. At least two marshals are stationed at jetties daily, observing morning and night shifts. NIWA is also conducting a rigorous awareness campaign at jetties and through media outlets, in both English and local languages.
Long-Term Goal
The ultimate goal is to replace wooden boats with safer alternatives. NIWA is working with the Presidency and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, led by Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, to achieve this nationwide ¹. In fact, Minister Oyetola has already commissioned 12 fiber-reinforced plastic boats and three water ambulances as part of this effort ².
