Bid to replace 90% of boats on waterways
Phasing out wooden boats
NIGERIA: The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is embarking on a bid to replace more than 90% of the boats on the country’s waterways in a bid to phase out wooden vessels and improve safety.
The NIWA is liaising with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in this regard and Managing Director/CEO, Bola Oyebamiji FCIB, recently toured the facilities of Wight Shipyard Company (an Ocea company) during a visit to the United Kingdom.
NIWA aims to collaborate with the UK-based yard on the construction of fibre boats to facilitate the gradual phasing out of wooden boats being used for commercial purposes.
Oyebamiji has said that the safety on Nigerian Waterways remains non-negotiable and that NIWA was committed to improving standards by addressing standards and non-compliance by “reckless boat operators and defaulters”.
Having attended the 46th Consultative Conference of Contracting Parties in International Maritime Organisation, he said that insights at the conference would further help to improve and develop Nigeria's inland waterways for navigation as part of the objectives of the Authority.
According to Oyebamiji, by implementing the London Protocol, Nigeria can significantly advance its inland waterways sector, aligning it with sustainable international practices, protecting marine ecosystems and strengthening socio-economic benefits.
The Protocol which has serious implications on the Nigerian Maritime sector is centred on issues relating to inland waterways as it shapes environmental practices, safety and sustainability.
Taking safety to the community
In Nigeria, the Area Manager of NIWA Port Harcourt Area Office Surv Bernard Ekawu MNIS, reiterated the CEO’s directive during a Marine Enlightment Campaign for operators along Amadi creek in the Rivers State.
The event themed, “Keeping the waterways safe for all users” was organised by River State Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs in collaboration with Nigeria LNG Limited aimed at equipping the operators with safety information, rules and skills for navigating Inland Waterways safely and also fostering a safe environment for fishing and other marine activities.
“The agency has embarked on a rigorous campaign in Riverine communities, jetties and media, the campaign being in both English and local languages of the communities,” he told attendants.
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