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By Steve Agbota
To enhance water safety and address recent spates of mishaps, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Lagos Area Office has ordered a mandatory training three-month for boat operators.
To achieve this, it has organised safety sensitisation programme for boat skippers and deck hands operating on Lagos waterways.
The NIWA Lagos Area Manager, Sarat Braima, at the meeting in Lagos, said it was convened to address challenges faced by boat operators, give them the room to express their concerns and collectively strategize a way forward.
She lamented the recent surge in mishaps, emphasizing that ensuring the safety of waterways should be a shared responsibility.
Highlighting the lack of basic safety measures among boat operators, Braimah announced NIWA’s collaboration with certified trainers to provide training at the rate of N80,000 per person. Upon successful completion, operators will receive a licence valid for three years, renewable upon expiration.
Braimah also noted that boat operators are granted a three-month window to undergo training and obtain licences, after which enforcement will commence. She stressed that errant operators who fail to comply will face sanctions and prosecution.
Meanwhile, NIWA HOD Marine, Mrs. Elsie Egwantu, stressed the importance of refreshing memories and sensitising operators on safety measures.
She urged operators to actively participate, express concerns, and engage in the process.
During the session, boat operators voiced concerns about inadequate remuneration, revealing that they receive a paltry N3,000 per day with only one day off work.
To meet trip targets, some operators admitted to managing faulty engines and overspeed to meet tight deadlines.
They explained that the rush to beat the 7 pm jetty closure time was nerve-racking as they struggle to beat the N50,000 penalty from LASWA. This they noted, contributes to the unsafe practices.
