The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has warned boat operators nationwide to strictly comply with water safety regulations during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, warning that violators will face arrest and prosecution.
The acting Managing Director of NIWA, Umar Girei, issued the warning on Tuesday during an interview with journalists at the authority’s headquarters in Lokoja.
Mr Girei noted that festive periods typically record increased traffic on inland waterways, especially in riverine communities, making strict adherence to safety measures essential.
He outlined key safety directives, including a ban on overloading, mandatory use of life jackets, prohibition of night travel, a ban on alcohol consumption while operating boats, and mandatory weather checks before any journey.
“No overloading, wearing of life jackets is mandatory, no night travel, no alcohol consumption, and operators must ensure proper weather checks before any journey,” he said.
Mr Girei also disclosed that NIWA enforcement teams, in collaboration with security agencies, would be deployed across jetties nationwide to monitor compliance. Defaulters, he warned, would face arrest, vessel seizure, and possible prosecution.
He advised passengers to avoid boarding overloaded boats, vessels without adequate life jackets, or those attempting night travel.
The NIWA boss extended Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslim faithful and urged community and religious leaders to help spread waterways safety awareness during sermons and gatherings. He emphasised that collective responsibility was necessary to prevent accidents and ensure safe celebrations across the country.
(NAN)