Boat Mishap in Nigeria to begin the year raises Concerns… Lessons from Bangladesh
By Oru Leonard
Nigeria is facing a disturbing trend of boat mishaps, with the latest incident in Yobe State claiming 29 lives and leaving 11 missing, according to media reports. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the country’s poor waterway safety record. About 800 people lost their lives in boat accidents across Nigeria between January 2023 and December 2024 alone.
The causes of these accidents are often linked to overloading, poor maintenance, and lack of safety measures. Experts argue that enforcing safety standards, such as life jackets and vessel inspections, is crucial to preventing these tragedies.
Many notable Nigerians including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Governor Peter Obi have described these incidents as avoidable and a result of systemic failures. The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has been criticized for inadequate enforcement of safety regulations.
The government has pledged to improve maritime safety, including phasing out old boats and increasing funding for NIWA. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.
The Nigerian government has taken steps to address boat safety concerns, particularly after recent incidents. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has deployed emergency teams to affected areas, and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has also been working to improve safety regulations and enforcement.
Some initiatives include:
-Mandatory Safety Equipment: NIWA has emphasized the importance of life jackets and other safety devices on boats.
– Training for Boat Operators: NIWA has organized training programs for boat operators to enhance their skills and knowledge of safety protocols.
– Awareness Campaigns: Efforts are being made to educate the public on water safety and responsible behavior.
The impact of boat mishaps on local communities is significant, with many families losing loved ones and livelihoods affected. The government is working to provide support and assistance to affected communities.
However, the Nigerian government is taking steps to prevent boat accidents and support affected families. Some measures include:
– Phase out old boats: Replace rickety boats with safer, standard-compliant alternatives.
– Establish a Coastal Guard to enforce waterway safety regulations.
– Create a National Boat Design Policy to standardize permitted vessel types.
– Increase funding for NIWA to trengthen hydrographic and marine engineering functions.
Support for affected families includes:
– Rescue operations: Emergency teams are deployed to affected areas.
– Medical attention: Survivors receive medical care and are reunited with their families.
– Compensation: The government provides financial assistance to families of victims.
Take a trip to Bangladesh to know how the country surrounded by rivers, seas and ocean recorded by far, less number of boat accidents in 10 years
Nigeria can draw valuable lessons from Bangladesh’s efforts to improve water safety. Bangladesh, which faced similar challenges, has implemented several measures which have led to a significant decline in boat accidents. Nigeria can adapt these strategies to its context as a matter of urgency:
– Strengthen regulatory bodies: Empower NIWA to enforce safety standards.
– Invest in infrastructure: Improve waterway infrastructure and vessel design.
– Community engagement: Engage local communities in water safety initiatives.
By adopting these measures, Nigeria can reduce boat mishaps and ensure safer waterways.
Oru Leonard Oru (frpa, mnim), is a media and Business Development Practitioner based in Abuja.
Email: oruleonard50@gmail.com
WhatsApp: 08022426520
