The House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the National Inland Waterways Authority to strengthen enforcement of safety regulations on Nigeria’s waterways.
The lawmakers also called for a detailed investigation into recent boat accidents to enhance maritime safety measures in the country.
The House of Representatives passed the resolution during Tuesday’s plenary after adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Unyime Idem, a lawmaker from Akwa Ibom.
Last week, a boat carrying over 200 passengers capsized along the Dambo-Ebuchi sections of the River Niger, resulting in the recovery of 22 bodies by rescue workers.
This incident occurred less than two months after a boat accident in the Gbajibo community of Mokwa LGA in Niger state, which claimed 42 lives.
Idem in the motion emphasized that the recurrence of these “devastating incidents” highlights the urgent need for enhanced maritime safety measures in Nigeria.
He stressed that immediate action is necessary to prevent further loss of life on the nation’s waterways.
Idem noted that maritime experts have identified several critical factors contributing to the alarming frequency of boat accidents in Nigeria.
He highlighted several factors contributing to boat accidents, including inadequate boat maintenance and poor design, overloading, absence of essential safety equipment and emergency response plans, insufficient training for boat operators, and a lack of strict regulatory enforcement.
The lawmaker criticized NIWA and NIMASA for being reportedly more focused on revenue generation than on ensuring passenger safety.
He expressed concern that the surge in boat accidents has raised serious questions about the safety of Nigeria’s waterways.
The motion was supported by lawmakers when put to a voice vote by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas.
The House then mandated the committees on maritime safety, education and administration, and inland waterways to ensure compliance with the resolution.
