The National Inland Waterways Authority, Lagos Area Office, on Saturday sensitised 180 boat captains and deckhands operating in Lagos to waterway safety.

The NIWA Lagos Area Manager, Sarat Braimah, said that the sensitisation was to address accidents on waterways.

According to her, the boat captains and deckhands are from various jetties, including Ebute Ero, Majidun, Mayegun, Ijede, Ibeshe, Ofin, Badore and Ajah.

Mrs Braimah said that NIWA was committed to addressing challenges faced by boat operators.

She said that the event provided an opportunity for the operators and NIWA to express their concerns and collectively strategise for greater efficiency.

She stated, “The recent surge in accidents is not good, we should ensure that safety on waterways is a shared responsibility. There is a lack of basic safety measures among boat operators; so, NIWA is collaborating with certified trainers to provide training at the rate of N80,000. Upon successful completion, operators will receive a licence valid for three years, renewable upon expiration.’’

Mrs Braimah also said that boat operators were granted a three-month window to undergo training and obtain licences.

She said, “Operators failing to comply will face sanctions.”

NIWA Head of Department of Marine, Elsie Egwantu, stated that it was important to sensitise boat operators to safety measures.

She urged the operators to actively participate in the programme.

During the session, some boat operators expressed concerns about inadequate remuneration and other conditions of service.

Some of the operators admitted managing faulty engines and speeding to meet targets.

They said that rushing to beat the 7.00 p.m. jetty closure time and avoiding N50, 000 penalty from Lagos State Waterways Authority contributed to unsafe practices.

(NAN)