Mishap: Poly Students Urge FG to Ban Wooden Boats on Waterways

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The National  Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has tasked federal government to ban the use of wooden boat to carry passengers on Nigerian waterways.

This was among  a five-point demand tabled before the government  over last  month boat mishap in Niger state which claimed over 50 lives. The   merchant  boat carrying over 200 passengers who were mainly traders had, late last month, capsised near kpata Danbo while  conveying  passengers from Kupa Ebe to Katcha Market in Niger state.

Official records revealed that no fewer than 50 lives were lost in the accident while 24 people were rescued.

The  students body, NAPS, however, addressed a press conference in kogi state capital,lokoja, yesterday where it ,among others ,called on federal government to put in motion, strategies to phase out  wooden boats and replacing them  with modern ones.

The association also called on government to  henceforth make  whoever causes boat mishaps to be accountable for the accident

It equally  demanded   increase in budgetary allocation to the  National Inland Waterways Authority ( NIWA) to enable it  further meet its statutory obligations.

NAPS ‘ position on the boat mishap  which was read at the press conference by its National Secretary General, Agada Noah, elaborated “ The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) deeply mourn the tragic loss of lives in the recent boat mishap that has shaken our nation.

“As the voice of Nigerian polytechnic students and concerned citizens, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and stand in solidarity with the communities affected.

“This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the recurrent boat accidents across the country, many of which are preventable. It is disheartening to note that a significant proportion of these mishaps can be attributed to human factors, including negligence, lack of adherence to safety protocols, alcohol, sailing at nights without headlamps and the use of substandard or overloaded vessels by the boat riders.

“ Other contributing factors include poor infrastructure, inadequate emergency response systems, and non adherence to public awareness about waterway safety.

“ It is imperative to tackle the root causes of these preventable accidents.

“ Stakeholders must enforce stricter regulations on boat operators, ensure regular maintenance of vessels, and impose penalties for non-compliance with safety standards.

“ Grassroots Sensitisation: While we understand the unrelenting efforts of the National Inward Waterways Authority (NIWA) to sensitize the riverine communities, boat users and other stakeholders, we still call on the Federal and State Governments, legislators as well as relevant agencies, to prioritize safety awareness campaigns. Grassroots sensitisation must be intensified, educating citizens on the importance of adhering to safety measures while using water transportation.

“Legislative Action: We urge the National Assembly to legislate for increased budgetary allocation to the maritime and inland waterway sectors. This funding should focus on enhancing the safety infrastructure, providing better equipment for emergency response, and recruiting more trained personnel.

“ We use this medium to commend the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, HE, Adegboyega Oyetola and the Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, for the gracious adoption and implementation of the Nigeria’s Water Transportation code into reality. A  working document that has for several years been in the pipeline.

“ Also, we acknowledge the fortification of the waterways surveillance for the enforcement of safety rules and regulations, emergency response to security threat and safe waterways patrol.

“ Our demands:  That the FG should expedite the means of facing out wooden boats and replacing them  modern ones.

“That the FG through the ministry of Marine and Blue Economy should pay more attention to the NIWA by increasing budgetary allocations and increase manpower to meet up with the Renewed Hope agenda of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“ That people should be held accountable for waterways accidents or any form of mishap, negligence or breach of waterways safety precautions.

“ That National assembly members who come from the riverine areas focus of collaborating with the water transporters and provide modern facilities, campaigns and sensitization to reduce accidents.

“ We call in the Nigeria Union of Journalist, Media outfits and agencies to collaborate with NIWA for proper and sensitization. 6. Emphatically, we call on the state Governors to support NIWA’s effort in depositing the  waterways in Nigeria.

“ Therefore, as the representatives of the younger generation, we remain committed to advocating for the safety and well-being of Nigerians. We enjoin relevant authorities to ensure that proactive measures are taken to prevent future occurrences of such tragedies.

“ The loss of even a single life is too many. Let this mishap be a turning point in our collective resolve to ensure that no Nigerian has to die needlessly due to preventable factors. “