In a revelation that raises serious concerns about maritime safety in Nigeria’s bustling metropolis, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has disclosed that a staggering 75% of boats operating on Lagos waterways do not meet the requisite safety standards, rendering them unseaworthy. This alarming statistic was shared by the Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Sarat Braimah, during a press briefing with journalists in a meeting with the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transport of Lagos.
This disclosure comes in the wake of a tragic incident reported by The PUNCH, where three individuals lost their lives after a boat ferrying 14 passengers capsized along the Ibeshe-Ikorodu channel in Lagos State. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that while 11 passengers were rescued, the search for the remaining victims revealed the harrowing realities of navigating Lagos’ waterways after dusk.
Sarat Braimah pointed out that the root of this dire situation lies in the significant decline in maintenance standards for boats over time. Although these vessels were deemed fit for operation at the time of purchase and subsequently registered, their condition has deteriorated due to inadequate upkeep, thus compromising their safety and reducing their lifespan. Braimah emphasized the urgent need for rigorous enforcement of safety standards, suggesting that reducing the number of operational boats to those that are confirmed to be seaworthy is a necessary measure to safeguard passengers’ lives.
The NIWA’s investigations into two major accidents earlier in the year concluded that human errors, primarily related to the maintenance of the boats, were to blame. These findings point to a critical issue where boats often experience engine failures mid-transit, prompting operators to dangerously veer out of designated channels in search of higher speeds, thus risking the lives of everyone on board.
In response to this crisis, the NIWA Lagos Area manager announced that only 10 boats have been certified to operate from the Ikorodu Jetty as of the latest assessment. All other boats are required to undergo rigorous inspections to determine their seaworthiness. Braimah highlighted the inherent risks associated with single-hull boats, which are prone to capsizing even under minor stress, advocating for the adoption of double-hull designs that offer greater resilience and safety.
Echoing the sentiments of Sarat Braimah, Mr. Tarzan Balogun, the National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWTAN), called on the government to assist in modernizing the fleet. He proposed a hire purchase scheme for boat acquisition, noting the prohibitive costs of acquiring seaworthy vessels which can run as high as N50 million for a quality boat. Balogun’s appeal underscores the critical need for government intervention to ensure that operators can afford vessels that meet safety standards without compromising their financial viability.
Furthermore, Balogun urged ATBOWTAN members to enforce the proper use of life jackets by all passengers, reflecting a proactive approach to enhancing safety measures on Lagos waterways.
This situation sheds light on the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s inland water transport sector, including the need for stringent safety regulations, regular maintenance and inspection of vessels, and the promotion of safe boating practices among operators and passengers alike. As Lagos continues to explore water transport as a viable alternative to its congested roads, ensuring the safety of this mode of transport becomes paramount. The recent initiatives by NIWA and the collaborative efforts with stakeholders signify a crucial step towards achieving a safer, more reliable water transport system in Lagos and setting a precedent for other regions in Nigeria.
