By Atoyebi Nike
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced plans to recruit and deploy about 800 water marshals nationwide by December as part of efforts to enhance safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, NIWA Managing Director Bola Oyebamiji said the recruitment drive would help curb recurring boat accidents, enforce life jacket use, and monitor unauthorised loading points.
According to Oyebamiji, the new marshals will also sensitise passengers and operators on safe navigation practices.
“We currently have between 350 and 450 water marshals. Our goal is to raise the number to 800 so that authorised jetties across the country have adequate personnel to enforce safety rules,” he stated.
He noted that NIWA has provided equipment and navigational aids, and was also working to increase collaboration with riverine state governments. He urged boat users to comply with safety instructions and abandon superstitious practices that put lives at risk.
Oyebamiji further appealed to the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the Coastal Guard Bill to strengthen maritime safety enforcement.
