By Atlantic Reports

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has warned boat operators against night sailing, overloading and carrying passengers without life jackets, urging them to prioritise safety on Nigerian waterways.

Mr Munir Mohammed, Zonal Area Manager for NIWA’s Kaduna and Katsina Area Offices, issued the warning during a sensitisation campaign on waterway safety and flood control in Kaduna.

Mohammed identified the use of unseaworthy boats, overloading and failure to wear life jackets as preventable human errors that contribute to boat accidents.

He said the campaign aimed to encourage the use of standard life jackets, educate water users on flood precautions and discourage unsafe navigation practices.

For passengers and communities that depend on boats for transport and livelihoods, the measures address safety risks that operators must consider before every journey.

Mohammed urged participants to apply the safety procedures demonstrated during the campaign and share the lessons in their communities and at jetties.

He also called for closer collaboration among emergency management agencies, security personnel and other stakeholders to strengthen accident prevention and emergency response.

NIWA’s Assistant Chief Technical Officer, Engr Bala Micah, said the authority had trained more than 60 boat operators in safety measures intended to reduce human error and prevent accidents.

He said the training would continue to improve compliance with waterway safety regulations.

Micah urged boat owners to maintain their vessels and engines, engage trained operators and provide appropriate emergency equipment. He also advised operators to assess weather and water conditions before setting out, observe vessel capacity limits and ensure passengers wore life jackets correctly.

NIWA donated life jackets to boat operators at the event. However, the number distributed and arrangements for monitoring their use were not specified.

Beyond safety, Micah said River Kaduna had the potential to support transportation, fishing, tourism, employment and revenue generation if properly developed.

He called for cooperation between the Kaduna State Government and NIWA on responsible dredging, environmental protection and sustainable river development.

His remarks outlined development possibilities rather than a confirmed project or funding commitment. The immediate priority, he stressed, was ensuring that efforts to expand the economic use of inland waterways protected human lives.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.