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The frequency of boat mishaps across the country might have prompted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the recurring incidents. Hundreds of lives have been lost on such avoidable accidents. The president also stated that henceforth government agencies would be held accountable for any regulatory or safety lapses in our water transportation. He reiterated that safety measures and enforcement must be carried out on boating activities across the country.
He equally directed government agencies, including law enforcement, maritime safety and transportation safety authorities to jointly identify the causes of the unfortunate and preventable disasters. Nigeria recorded high casualty figures in recent boat mishaps in Adamawa, Niger, Kebbi and Kwara states. On September 10, at least 26 bodies were recovered and 44 declared missing after a boat capsized in a river in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State. The boat accident reportedly occurred between the Jabba and Kainji dams.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed that over 100 persons were on board the boat. According to the NSEMA, the victims were going to their farms located on the other side of River Niger when the unfortunate incident occurred.
Within the same period, a boat conveying people to their farms in Njuwa Lake capsized and killed about 15 persons in Adamawa State on September 9. Another boat mishap led to the death of 11 people two days later. Also, four people were killed in Suru Local Government Area of Kebbi state due to boat accident.
On June 12, a boat mishap in Patigi, Kwara State, led to the loss of about 106 lives, while scores of others were reportedly missing. The boat was conveying about 250 people from one village to another in Patigi local Government Area when the accident occurred.
In Sokoto State, 15 children were drowned and 25 others declared missing when a boat capsized in a river in May 2023. Within the same month, eight persons reportedly died in boat accident that occurred in Gusau, Zamfara State. On August 24, 12 people were killed in a boat accident at a river in Kogi Kungra Kamfani area of Nasarawa State.
In April, a tragic boat mishap at Okoroma community along the Brass waterways in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State led to the death of five passengers. The boat was carrying scores of passengers and goods from Yenagoa to the Brass Island and neighbouring communities when it suddenly went under due to overweight.
Last year, no fewer than 16 passengers were feared dead after their boat capsized around Mile 2 area of Lagos State. In October 2022, 76 citizens leaving flood-ravaged areas in Anambra State were drowned in Ogbaru when a boat ferrying them capsized. Between January 2020 and September 2023, not less than 901 passengers were estimated to have died in 61 boat accidents across the country.
The frequency of boat mishaps is disturbing. The accidents could be traced to poor enforcement of laws regulating inland waterways navigation. However, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has blamed the recurring boat mishaps on vessels moving at odd times, over-loading, non-use of life jackets, reckless sailing, poor maintenance of boats and turbulent weather.
The probe panel must find out the immediate and remote causes of boat mishaps and recommend measures that will enhance safety in our waterways. Those in charge of inland water transportation should always adhere to safety regulations. All passengers should be provided with life jackets before boarding the boats and ferries.
There is need to regulate boat operations and other activities on the waterways to minimise the high rate of accidents in the marine sector.
Boat operators should desist from travelling at odd times, particularly at night and under turbulent weather conditions. The operators should be provided with navigational devices to enhance their movement and safety. They should be well trained and monitored to ascertain the state of their health before embarking on travels.
The importance of life jackets for all passengers on board the boats cannot be over-emphasised. The boats should be confirmed to be in good condition and sea worthy at all times. We enjoin state governments to set up bodies that will complement the regulatory oversights of NIWA in overseeing water transportation.
