NIWA partners NAFDAC to test boat operators for drug use

By Seun Ibiyemi

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced that boat operators will now undergo mandatory drug tests before being allowed to operate.

This initiative, in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), aims to improve safety and reduce accidents on Nigeria’s waterways.

NIWA’s Area Manager, Akapo Adeboye, made this known during a sensitisation programme for boat operators, traders, and farmers in Katcha Local Government Area, Niger State. He stated that the measure is part of broader efforts to curb recurring boat mishaps, which have led to numerous fatalities in riverine communities.

As part of its safety enforcement strategy, NIWA has introduced severe penalties for those who flout waterway regulations. These include: ¦ 50,000 fine for night travel, transporting hazardous materials, or carrying excessive sandbags from mining; ¦ 20,000 fine for overloading or dumping refuse into waterways; ¦ 10,000 fine for failing to wear a life jacket, operating a boat without a valid licence, or not having a fire extinguisher on board.

In addition, inexperienced boat operators found transporting passengers without proper training will face prosecution.

“We have observed that many boat drivers lack adequate experience. To tackle this issue, NIWA is providing training to enhance safety and protect lives and property,” Adeboye explained.

Adeboye highlighted that Katcha was chosen for the sensitisation programme due to its history of frequent boat accidents involving farmers and traders travelling to its weekly market.

During the event, NIWA distributed over 100 life jackets to boat operators and announced the deployment of waterways marshals and speedboats to monitor and enforce safety regulations.

This initiative underscores NIWA’s commitment to ensuring safer inland water transport and reducing the loss of lives caused by unsafe boating practices.