The Managing Director, Nationwide Inland Waterways Authority, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, has recognized human errors, medicine and disobedience to the principles and rules as the key causes of boat accidents which have occurred up to now three years.
Oyebamiji disclosed this whereas fielding questions from members of the Home Representatives Committee on NIWA who have been on oversight operate to the headquarters of the authority in Lokoja, Kogi State capital on Wednesday.
He mentioned NIWA was dedicated to the protection of Nigerians utilizing water transportation.
“99 per cent of the mishaps on the waterways have been a results of human errors. Analysis has proven that operators are committing avoidable errors which shouldn’t have prompted havoc,” he mentioned
He famous that a few of the operators lived on medicine to affect their actions to make them excessive and ultimately make unpardonable errors.
Oyabamiji added that some operators are repugnant to following guidelines and rules, stressing that “think about picket boats taking up 150 to 200 passengers at a go over and above its capability.”
He mentioned that the transportation code requires revalidation as a result of the operators haven’t been strictly following the code lately signed whereas some are usually not offering required life jackets for his or her passengers.
He mentioned the regulation code solely supplied N30,000 as a penalty for offenders.
The Chairman of the Home Committee on NIWA, Mr. Ojema Ojotu, who led a staff of seven members to Lokoja, defined that the inland waterways are an integral a part of Nigeria’s transportation framework, providing immense potential for enhancing connectivity, lowering street congestion, and stimulating financial progress.
“As representatives of the folks, we should be sure that this potential is harnessed successfully for the advantage of all Nigerians.
“This go to gives us with the platform to scrutinise crucial areas corresponding to operational effectivity, security on our waterways, infrastructure improvement, and the general administration of sources allotted to NIWA.
“We recognise the distinctive challenges related to managing waterways, together with the recurring problems with boat mishaps, flooding in weak areas alongside the waterways, and the demand for modernized infrastructure corresponding to inland ports and navigable channels. As we deliberate at present, it’s crucial to think about how these challenges may be addressed to boost security, effectivity, and financial viability.
“The strategic significance of inland ports can’t be overstated, particularly in fostering inner and regional commerce and serving as important hyperlinks in our nationwide logistics chain,” Ojotu mentioned.
Equally, he acknowledged that the dredging of waterways stays key to unlocking the complete potential of Nigeria’s inland transportation system, guaranteeing seamless connectivity and uninterrupted operations.
“Moreover, there’s a want for human capability improvement and procure important operational gear, corresponding to boats, to boost security enforcement, guarantee fast emergency responses, and ship environment friendly providers. Whereas authorities funding stays crucial, it’s evident that conventional financing fashions might not suffice to fulfill the infrastructure and capability constructing calls for of NIWA’s mandate.
‘Due to this fact, it’s crucial to assume outdoors the field and discover various financing choices, together with public-private partnerships, concessional preparations, and progressive funding mechanisms.
“These approaches can bridge funding gaps and drive impactful infrastructural improvement. As we interact with NIWA’s management and evaluate their actions, allow us to stay targeted on figuring out sensible options to the urgent points dealing with the inland waterways sector.
“This Committee will proceed to advocate for insurance policies and budgetary allocations that align with nationwide priorities and promote sustainable improvement,” the chairman acknowledged.