The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called on state governments to support National Inland Waterways Authority’s (NIWA) effort in repositioning the waterways in Nigeria.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, the National General Secretary of NAPS, Comrade Agada Noah, mourned the tragic loss of lives in the recent boat mishap in Kogi state.
He said the Kogi boat mishap served as a painful reminder of the recurrent boat accidents across the country, many of which are preventable.
The Association called on federal government to begin the process of phasing out wooden boats and replacing them modern ones.
They also urged the FG, through the ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, to 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.
“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.
“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.
“We use this medium to commend the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H E , Adegboyega Oyetola and the Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, FCIB, 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.
“While pushing for a safer waterways, NIWA had trained over 300 boat operators, distributed thousands of life jackets, recruited over 500 water marshals, translation of safety campaign materials into over 40 languages along the riverine, prompt removal of logs after as and at when due, community engagements among many others,” he said.
Agada, however, insisted that people should be held accountable for waterways accidents or any form of mishap, negligence or breach of waterways safety precautions.
He urged the National Assembly to legislate for increased budgetary allocation to the maritime and inland waterway sectors.
This funding, he said, should focus on enhancing the safety infrastructure, providing better equipment for emergency response, and recruiting more trained personnel.
