The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has constituted a seven-man special committee to review the operations of commercial boat operators in coastal and inland waterways nationwide.

This was disclosed in a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Anastasia Ogbonna, on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Oyetola, during a meeting with heads of maritime agencies, said the committee had 21 days to complete the review assessment assignment and submit a comprehensive report to the ministry.

He said it had become a matter of urgent concern, hence the need to proffer solutions to reduce boat mishaps to the barest minimum.

“The committee was constituted with a view to addressing incessant boat mishaps across the country.

“It is expected to review and come up with recommendations and actionable plans that will checkmate the menace.

“The committee has the managing director, National Inland Waterways (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, as chairman, with members drawn from the various agencies under the ministry,” he said.

The minister said the terms of reference to guide the committee included a review of the existing commercial boat transport operations and an assessment.

He said boat mishaps and their causative factors, current boat operations safety and security compliance, and existing boat specifications in relation to acceptable standards would be reviewed.

Mr Oyetola said the committee would also develop a comprehensive plan to address the findings from the assessment and guarantee safe commercial boat transport operations in coastal and inland waterways.

He said it would also develop standard design specifications for basic categories of commercial boats for coastal and inland waterways.

The minister said the committee would also consider other related measures and issues deemed appropriate for safe and viable commercial boat operations.

Mr Oyetola said these would address incessant boat mishaps.

(NAN)