Niwa walked hard, issuing a new direction to overcome the ship accident

National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced a direct ban on loading activities at invalid points throughout the country, as part of new safety steps aimed at reducing fatal ship accidents in Nigerian inland waterways.

Niwa’s director, Oyebamiji Bola, revealed directions during the press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. He stressed that no commercial passenger ships were allowed to operate outside the recognized and registered loading terminal.

“It is mandatory for all commercial ship operators to provide and uphold the use of Lifajickets on the ship at any time. Every commercial passenger ship must clearly display a boat name and its cargo line,” Oyebamiji said.

The head of Niwa further ordered the removal of all non -licensed boats and boats from waterways, adding that drivers and operators who were not licensed were strictly prohibited from transporting passengers or cargo.

Instructions to follow a series of deadly ship accidents in recent months. In April, a ship carrying traders overturned in the Niger River near the Sokun Village in Lada LGA, Niger state, after being trapped in a storm suddenly. Ships that are overloaded sink with an unspecified number of victims.

In July, another incident occurred in the Shiroro River in the Niger state when a passenger ship that was laden with rice, livestock, and about 40 people crashed into submerged and inverted wood. Fifteen bodies were found, while 26 survivors, who wore a jacket, were saved.

August saw two major accidents in the Sokoto state, including one where the boats were carrying a lot of women, children and motorbikes to the Goronyo market.

The latest tragedy was reported in September in the Malale River in Borgu Lga, the state of Niger, where a wooden ship brought a mourner to a condolence that was reversed near the Gausawa community. More than 27 people were confirmed to die.

Niwa said these new steps were designed to strengthen regulations, increase compliance, and protect life in the country’s waterways.