The Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom, has urged boat users in the state to embrace approved safety precautions in waterway transportation.

The academy’s acting rector, Kevin Okonna, who made the call at a workshop in Oron, said safety remained critical to inland waterway transportation.

Mr Okonna said the workshop was organised in line with the federal government’s commitment to ensure the safety of lives along the nation’s inland waterways.

He said there was a need for boat users and other stakeholders in the maritime industry to adhere strictly to National Inland Waterways Authority-approved guidelines.

“The academy organised the workshop as part of President Bola Tinubu’s directive on inland waterway safety,” he said.

Also speaking, Dakio Horsfall, the general manager of NIWA, said the place of safety in waterway transportation could not be over-emphasised.

Presenting a lecture titled ‘Safety of Nigerian Inland Waterways: The Responsibility of Boat Users’, Mr Horsfall urged boat drivers to take the safety issue seriously.

“Safety remains the cornerstone of inland waterway transportation in Nigeria. All stakeholders have their roles to play to ensure safety on the waterways.

“Boat drivers should strictly adhere to route approvals and avoid restricted or unsafe areas to enhance safety,” he said.

Mr Horsfall urged boat drivers to comply with approved speed limits and avoid overloading.

“NIWA will continue to regulate the sector by ensuring that only trained and certified boat drivers are allowed to operate,” he said.

(NAN)