The need for better enforcement of boating laws, regulations
The escalating frequency of boat accidents has morphed into a recurring nightmare, instilling a sense of fear within society and underscoring the pressing necessity for a holistic and all-encompassing approach to address this burgeoning issue.
The recent tragic incidents have shed light on the imperative need for an expeditious and comprehensive response to combat this escalating problem.
The gravity of the situation has reached a perilous magnitude, evoking profound apprehension and engendering an urgent call for immediate and undivided attention.
The devaluation of human life has become so pervasive that the collective indifference towards the safety and well-being of those embarking on Nigeria’s waterways is disconcerting and disheartening.
The heartbreaking incident that unfolded in Gbajibo, Mokwa LGA of Niger State, recently, serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of this issue.
Over 100 passengers, including individuals on their way to their farms, found themselves in a life-threatening situation as their boat capsized.
The outcome was devastating, with 24 precious lives lost. The latest boat disaster in Taraba state, in which about 100 lives were feared dead, has further heightened concerns about the safety of Nigeria’s inland waterways.
It is becoming increasingly clear that urgent action is needed to prevent further loss of life.
The lack of adequate safety measures, including life jackets and emergency response teams, is a major contributing factor to the high number of fatalities in boat accidents.
The government must take immediate steps to address this issue and ensure that safety measures are put in place to protect the lives of those who travel on Nigeria’s waterways.
This catastrophe came hot on the heels of another tragedy in Adamawa, where 15 out of 23 passengers met a similar fate in Njuwa Lake, Yola South LGA.
These events, along with previous boat accidents, should serve as a collective wake-up call to the nation.
President Bola Tinubu’s call for a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the root causes of these preventable disasters is commendable.
The year 2021 was plagued by a series of boat tragedies that left a trail of heartbreak and loss across Nigeria.
The northern region, in particular, was hit hard, with Kebbi State bearing witness to a horrific accident that claimed over 100 lives.
Most of the victims were traders en route to a market when the boat capsized, underscoring the urgent need for improved safety measures in the region’s water transport.
Sadly, Kano, Jigawa, and Niger states also suffered their fair share of sorrow, with boat accidents claiming the lives of innocent passengers, including young schoolchildren.
The dawn of the New Year brought no respite, as Bayelsa and Ondo states also experienced boat mishaps that resulted in fatalities and injuries. It is clear that Nigeria is facing a boat mishap epidemic, and urgent action is needed to prevent further loss of life.
The directive to involve various government agencies in addressing this crisis is a step in the right direction, and we must continue to prioritize the safety of our citizens who rely on water transport for their livelihoods.
The number of deaths resulting from boat accidents in Kebbi over the past two years is nearly equal to the number of deaths caused by insecurity.
However, it seems that addressing the issue of boat mishaps is not a priority.
This distressing trend primarily affects individuals from rural areas and those who are economically disadvantaged, highlighting the disparities in safety regulations enforcement across different modes of transportation such as air, rail, and water travel.
It is important to recognise that boat accidents in Nigeria are often caused by factors such as overloading, adverse weather conditions, poor maintenance, and the lack of essential safety regulations.
Unfortunately, many passengers do not have access to life jackets as they are not provided, and there is a lack of enforcement regarding this crucial safety measure.
Boat owners, driven by greed, frequently overload vessels with passengers and goods, putting everyone on board at risk.
Corruption further exacerbates the problem, as some boat operators prioritise profits over lives, cramming their vessels with excessive cargo that makes them susceptible to avoidable accidents during storms.
Given the somber realities at hand, we urgently implore federal government agencies, particularly the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), to diligently enforce and uphold stringent waterway laws.
It is their responsibility to guarantee the safety of riverine travel by implementing safety measures and regulating the industry to prevent future accidents.
We must never compromise the lives of our citizens for the sake of economic gain. We must prioritise the safety and well-being of all those who depend on Nigeria’s waterways for their livelihoods and daily transportation.
Only through determined action can we put an end to these boat accidents and ensure that our waterways are genuinely secure for everyone.
