The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has introduced new restrictions aimed at tackling rising accidents on Nigeria’s rivers and creeks. Effective immediately, all commercial boats must load only from officially registered jetties, while operators are mandated to enforce the use of lifejackets, display vessel identification, and comply with load limits. Unlicensed boats and operators are barred from service.
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NIWA’s managing director, Bola Oyebamiji, announced the measures in Abuja, describing them as urgent steps to strengthen safety and restore order on the waterways. He said the directive followed a spate of recent tragedies linked to unsafe practices and poor regulation.
Several deadly accidents have been recorded this year, including capsizes on the Niger, Shiroro, and Kainji rivers that claimed dozens of lives. Many of the incidents involved overloaded vessels, sudden storms, or collisions with submerged objects.
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