By Nwabueze Okonkwo

ONITSHA – The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has called on boat drivers and maritime operators to embrace discipline, enhance their skills, and stay updated on safety protocols to prevent accidents on Nigeria’s waterways.

Speaking at the NIWA Area Office in Onitsha, Anambra State, during a three-day training workshop sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in collaboration with NIWA, Amuzat Yusuff Adebayo, Lead Consultant in mining and navigation technology, emphasized that inadequate navigation knowledge, poor discipline, and lack of proper skills contribute significantly to frequent boat mishaps and loss of lives.

Adebayo, whose lecture was titled “Meteorology for Boat Navigation and Safety” with a sub-theme “Navigation & Seamanship for Boat Drivers and Skippers”, explained that the training was a proactive measure based on accident investigation findings, which revealed that a majority of boat accidents in Nigeria result from operator error and insufficient maritime knowledge.

“By equipping boat operators with the right skills in navigation, safety, and emergency response, we are proactively saving lives, protecting property, and strengthening confidence in inland water transportation,” he said.

The consultant highlighted practical aspects of the training, including navigating safely during heavy rainfall, waves, and cloud cover, as well as techniques for rescuing passengers and securing goods in case of capsizing.

Engr. Omishola John Kehinde, NIWA’s Head of Marine in charge of Onitsha Area, added that the training also focused on ensuring compliance with regulations and improving operational performance. “With this program, each operator now understands the penalties established by NIWA’s 2023 operational code, which will enhance safety across Nigerian waterways,” he said.

Chairman of the Onitsha Maritime Operators Union, Hon. Charles Nwabunwanne, lauded NIWA and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for the initiative, noting that the union lost members and passengers during the 2025 flood disaster. He expressed optimism that the training would significantly reduce accidents and losses in 2026.

The NIWA-led training program underscores the Federal Government’s commitment, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to improving safety, building capacity, and promoting sustainable development within Nigeria’s inland water transport sector.