Boat operators under the auspices of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria have appealed to the National Inland Waterways Authority to prioritise the provision of more safety equipment.
ATBOWATON stressed that adequate life jackets are critical to protecting both passengers and crew.
In a recent statement, the group said this during a courtesy visit by its leadership to the NIWA Abuja Area/Liaison Office.
According to the statement, the visit was to congratulate the Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Umar Girei, and the Area Manager, Abuja Area/Liaison Office, Mrs Aisha Eri, on their recent appointments.
Speaking during the event, the National President of ATBOWATON, Gani Balogun, commended NIWA for its consistent support to operators nationwide.
He particularly acknowledged NIWA’s deliberate focus on the safety of Nigeria’s waterways, with notable impact in the South-West region.
Balogun, however, drew attention to one of the most pressing challenges facing boat operators: “The acute shortage of life jackets.”
He appealed to NIWA to “prioritise the provision of more safety equipment, adequate life jackets are critical to protecting both passengers and crew.”
Balogun further noted that improving the navigability of the nation’s inland waterways would significantly ease pressure on Nigeria’s roads.
According to him, a functional water transport system offers commuters and cargo operators a safer and more efficient alternative to road travel.
In his response, the Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Umar Girei, thanked the union for the visit and assured members that NIWA had already commenced work on many of the concerns raised, noting that interventions were underway well before the delegation’s visit.
Also speaking, the Area Manager, NIWA Abuja Area/Liaison Office, Mrs Aisha Eri, described the visit as a welcome development.
She urged ATBOWATON members to bring their wealth of experience to bear in the FCT, expressing optimism that their expertise would help strengthen water transportation in the region.