Follow Us on Google
From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has banned boat trips before 6am and after 6pm on Calabar waterways and imposed a strict ‘no life jacket, no boarding’ rule to curb avoidable deaths.
NIWA Calabar Area Manager, Dr. Stanley Onuoha, announced the measures during the first quarter safety sensitization campaign in Henshaw Town Beach, Calabar.
“No life jacket, no boarding. No overloading under any circumstances. No sailing before 6am and after 6pm,” Onuoha told boat operators and stakeholders.
He said the ban followed ‘avoidable incidents’ caused due to disregard for safety standards, stressing that “safety is not the duty of the Authority alone, but a collective obligation.”
Other News
Other directives include strict adherence to approved routes, weather advisories and regular vessel maintenance and certification.
He said NIWA would intensify monitoring and enforcement with security agencies but noted that public cooperation was essential.
“Every operator must ensure their vessel is seaworthy. Every passenger must insist on wearing a life jacket,” he said.
The campaign drew government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers and boat operators.
The NIWA Calabar Area Office also distributed free life jackets at Henshaw Town Beach and appointed 10 eminent community leaders as safety ambassadors to drive the campaign at the grassroots.
