NIWA raises alarm over rising water levels across rivers

By Seun Ibiyemi

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has issued an alert on the rising water levels across rivers and lagoons in the country which poses a danger to unregulated water transportation.

In the warning notice issued by the management, the authority said its gauge readers had confirmed the new development.

Consequently, NIWA has advised people living along the river banks across the country to relocate to higher grounds to avoid loss of lives and properties.

In addition, the authority has advised boat operators and passengers to ensure strict compliance with the laid-down safety procedures as it has vowed to ensure strict compliance.

“The National Inland Waterways Authority(NIWA) wishes to inform the General Public that our gauge readers have confirmed the country’s fast-rising water levels across rivers and lagoons.

Consequently, the authority calls on all persons living at the riverbanks across Nigeria to start preparing to relocate to higher grounds to avoid the loss of lives and properties in the advent of a flood.

“Specifically, the boat operators and passengers are advised to take note of the rising tides and ensure strict adherence to safety regulations on the inland waterways, including compulsory use of life jackets always.

“The Inland Waterways transportation regulations 2023 has been gazetted and compliance shall be enforced,” the notice concluded.