NIWA Warns Boat Operators Against Waterways Safety Violations, Mandates Life Jackets For All Passengers

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The Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Umar Yusuf Girei, has issued a stern warning to boat operators across the country to strictly comply with waterways safety regulations, particularly as movement on inland waterways increases in riverine communities.

Girei gave the warning while addressing journalists at the NIWA headquarters in Lokoja, stressing that adherence to safety measures remains non-negotiable.

He said the Authority would not tolerate overloading of boats and reiterated that the use of life jackets by all passengers and operators is mandatory. He also cautioned against night travel, alcohol consumption by boat operators, and failure to heed weather advisories.

“No overloading, 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.

The NIWA boss disclosed that enforcement teams, working in collaboration with relevant security agencies, would be deployed across jetties nationwide to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations.

According to him, operators found violating the rules risk arrest, seizure of their vessels, and prosecution.
Girei also urged passengers to avoid boarding overloaded boats, vessels without adequate life jackets, or boats operating at night. He appealed to community and religious leaders to help intensify waterways safety awareness through public engagements and sermons.
Meanwhile, the Acting Managing Director advised stakeholders and clients of the Authority not to panic over the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning aspects of the NIWA Act.
He explained that the apex court upheld NIWA’s statutory responsibilities relating to inland waterways navigation, safety regulation, channel management, river infrastructure development, and the promotion of inland water transportation as provided under Sections 10 and 11 of the Act.

According to him, Sections 12 and 13 of the Act, which deal with land matters unrelated to maritime activities, were invalidated by the Supreme Court only to the extent of their inconsistency with the Constitution.

He therefore urged all stakeholders to remain calm, law-abiding, and await an official statement from NIWA after the Authority obtains the Certified True Copy of the judgment from the Supreme Court.