Safety
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, Dec. 24, 2025 (NAN) An official of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Timothy Clement, on Wednesday attributed many boat mishaps that had happened to limited technical knowledge and insufficient experience among operators.
He spoke at the closing ceremony of a three-day boat navigation and safety training for 75 boat drivers and skippers, held in Lagos.
Clement said that sustained capacity-building, such as the training, would help address the challenge.
The training was organised by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in collaboration with NIWA.
It is part of efforts to improve safety and professionalism on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Clement also highlighted ongoing safety measures being implemented by NIWA, including removal of wrecks, to improve navigation.
He mentioned continuous sensitisation of boat operators along major routes such as CMS, Ikorodu, Badore, Badagry and Port Novo.
According to him, NIWA has intensified awareness campaigns, moving from jetty to jetty, to educate operators on safe practices, while encouraging boat owners to release more skippers and captains for structured training programmes.
“So far, so good. We thank God for the success of this three-day training for boat skippers. This year alone, NIWA conducted sensitisation exercises two to three times across different jetties.
“We are encouraging operators to make more of their captains and skippers available for this kind of training.
“I believe that by this time next year, we will have even more reasons to celebrate improved safety on our waterways,” he said.
Also speaking, the Lead Trainer and Consultant, Dr Sileola Akinbowale, described the programme as a life-saving initiative designed to strengthen manpower capacity and reduce waterway accidents.
She explained that the training was structured to ensure boat operators are properly equipped with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills required to operate safely and efficiently.
Akinbowale commended the Federal Government, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the former Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, for prioritising safety and capacity development in the sector.
Assessing the programme, she rated it about 90 per cent successful, noting that it combined classroom sessions with practical exercises on the water.
“We did not limit the training to classroom lectures. Participants were taken out for practical sessions at the jetty, which made the programme very effective.
“It was an all-inclusive training, not just theory,” she said.
She assured that the initiative would be sustained, stressing that continuous capacity enhancement remained critical to saving lives and improving professionalism on inland waterways.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training focused on equipping participants with the practical knowledge and operational competence required for the issuance of the Certificate in Safe Boating and Navigation.
Participants were drawn from major boating associations, including the Maritime Workers Union, the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATAN), and the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN).
It also attracted boat operators from Lagos, Ogun and Ondo states.
A Lagos-based boat operator, Wasiu Olalekan, said the programme had strengthened participants’ ability to respond to emergencies and distress situations.
Another participant from Ondo State, Biobaku John, said the training exposed him to critical safety and emergency response skills that would enhance his professionalism.
Similarly, the leader of the Ogun State delegation, Pami Ronald, said participants were trained on boat handling, safety procedures, first aid, emergency response, engine maintenance and effective waterway transport management.
The programme issues in line with recommendations from investigation reports under the tenure of former NIWA Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji,
It forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIWA to improve safety standards, professionalism and confidence among inland waterway operators nationwide. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
CAN/SOA
Edited by Oluwole Sogunle
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