Nigeria’s waterways are the veins of its riverine communities, pumping life into remote villages, sustaining trade, and connecting people to essential services. Yet, recurring boat mishaps cast a long shadow over this vital transport sector, demanding urgent action to modernise and strengthen safety standards. The Nigerian government has laid the groundwork with bold reforms, but now is the time to build on this foundation and turn ambition into action.
The creation of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) unified regulatory oversight, while port concessions and the Cabotage Act aimed to boost efficiency and local participation. The recent establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy signals a political commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s maritime resources for economic growth and sustainability. These reforms provide a solid platform to address the complex challenges of water transport safety.
Boat mishaps are rarely the result of a single issue. They stem from a tangled web of environmental, technical, and operational challenges. Sudden storms, strong currents, and poor visibility during night sailing create hazardous conditions, while technical failures and overloaded, outdated wooden boats exacerbate the risks. The government’s distribution of life jackets is a step in the right direction, but universal access and consistent use are critical. A structured boat replacement program, financing support for operators, and the introduction of safer, purpose-built vessels could accelerate this transition.
Complementary safety measures are equally essential. A Water Marshal Corps, deployed at key jetties and waterways, could enforce safety regulations, monitor boat loading practices, and respond rapidly to emergencies. Mandatory boat registration and strict inspection processes would create a comprehensive database of vessels, ensuring compliance with national safety standards. Real-time weather alerts and mobile apps could help operators avoid dangerous conditions, while safety protocols like compulsory life jacket use must be enforced with penalties for non-compliance.
Building the capacity of boat operators is another critical factor. A standardised training and certification system would ensure that every operator has basic navigation knowledge, safety awareness, and emergency response skills. Training programs offered through NIMASA, NIWA, and other maritime institutions should be scaled up to cover both professional operators and local boatmen. Regular vessel inspections and a culture of safety can prevent tragedies rather than merely responding to them.
Infrastructure investment is also key. Well-constructed jetties and terminals with adequate lighting, weather monitoring systems, and emergency rescue equipment would make a significant difference. Technology should be leveraged to provide real-time weather alerts and early warnings, helping operators avoid dangerous conditions.
The goal is a comprehensive inland water transport safety framework that unites all stakeholders. Nigeria has already taken commendable steps with reforms like the creation of NIMASA, the Cabotage Act, and now the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. Building on these efforts, a national strategy focused on vessel modernisation, training, safety equipment distribution, and improved oversight can turn our waterways into a safer, more reliable transport network.
As Capt. Caleb Danladi, Master Mariner and maritime expert, emphasises, this is a call to collective action. Every accident is a reminder of the value of each life and the need to protect passengers who rely on water transport daily. With sustained investments, stronger collaboration, and community participation, Nigeria can significantly reduce boat mishaps and build a maritime sector that is not only a cornerstone of the blue economy but also a model of safety and efficiency for the region. The time to act is now, and the foundation has already been laid.