The National Inland Waterways Authority has intensified safety awareness efforts for boat operators and passengers in Niger, aiming to reduce boat accidents and promote safe water travel.

The awareness campaign, ‘Safety and Safe Trip-Zero Tolerance to Boat Mishap’, took place on Saturday in Zumba, Shiroro LGA.

Akapo Adeboye, NIWA’s area manager in charge of the Niger and Kwara, said the exercise was part of the agency’s continuous efforts to ensure strict adherence to safety regulations on the waterways.

Mr Adeboye said the campaign aimed to reduce boat mishaps and ensure compliance with inland waterways regulations, with a strict message: ‘No Life Jacket, No Boarding’.

He added that the awareness exercise was carried out in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency, State Emergency Management Agency, Marine Police, and local boat unions.

Mr Adeboye stated that the campaign involved distributing life jackets to boat operators and passengers.

“We are here as a task force for the safety of lives and property,” said Mr Adeboye. “We have life jackets for both adults and children, and our message is clear: no life jacket, no boarding, no overloading, no speeding, and no night travel.”

He restated that NIWA has zero tolerance for non-use of life jackets, noting that offenders would face sanctions, including seizure of boats and possible prosecution.

Mr Adeboye appreciated the support of NIWA’s managing director, Bola Oyebamiji, and blue economy minister Adegboyega Oyetola, for their commitment to promoting water safety.

Hussaini Isah, NEMA’s operations chief, expressed concern over the rising number of boat mishaps in riverine areas, such as Shiroro and New Bussa, which have led to the loss of lives and livelihoods.

Mr Isah said NEMA would continue to support NIWA in its sensitisation and enforcement drive, stressing that awareness creation was key to reducing fatalities on waterways.

“People must understand the importance of wearing life jackets, and boat owners must ensure proper maintenance of their boats to avoid accidents,” he said.

(NAN)