By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and Ministry of Transportation to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent boat mishaps in Nigeria, to provide insights and recommendations on improving maritime safety;
The House also directed Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to enforce safety regulations and ensure compliance with international maritime standards.
These resolutions was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on the “URGENT NEED TO INVESTIGATE THE INCESSANT BOAT MISHAPS IN NIGERIA’S WATERWAYS”, by Rep. Unyime Idem, lawmaker representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom on Tuesday at plenary.
The lawmaker noted that Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing surge in boat mishaps in recent times, resulting in the tragic loss of numerous lives and most recent incident, occurred on Friday, November 29, 2024, in Kogi state where a devastating boat mishap took place along the Dambo-Ebuchi waterways of the River Niger in Kupa Local Government Area, involving over 160 passengers, with only 24 rescued, approximately 54 confirmed dead, and an unknown number still unaccounted for.
The motion reads: “Further notes that the Kogi boat mishap marks the third passenger boat accident in Nigeria within a span of just 60 days. In a similar tragic incident, precisely October 3, 2024, a wooden dugout canoe carrying approximately 300 passengers capsized and sank in the River Niger, resulting in the loss of nearly 200 lives. Just last week, a collision between two boats in Delta State, southern Nigeria, claimed the lives of five people. The reoccurrence of these devastating incidents, culminating in the recent Kupa boat mishap in Kogi State, underscores the urgent need for improved maritime safety measures in Nigeria.
“Aware that maritime experts have identified a combination of critical factors contributing to the alarming frequency of boat accidents in Nigeria, including inadequate boat maintenance and poor design, overloading, lack of essential safety equipment and emergency response plans, insufficient training for boat operators, and a lack of strict regulatory enforcement.
“Also aware that NIMASA) and NIWA are responsible for enforcing safety regulations in the maritime sector. However, these agencies are reportedly more focused on revenue generation than ensuring the safety of passengers”.
The lawmaker expressed worries that the recent surge in boat accidents has raised concerns about the safety of Nigeria’s waterways and the need for urgent intervention.
“Concerned that if nothing is done to improve safety and emergency response systems, Nigerians will continue to face psychological trauma, economic losses, and untimely deaths”, it added.
The House unanimously adopted the motion, and observe a minute silent for the departed souls in the Kogi Boat Mishap;
The House also mandate the House Committees on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, and Inland Waterways to ensure compliance.