The recent boating disaster in Niger State, where 150 passengers are currently reported missing, reveals a troubling pattern of regulatory failures and governmental neglect, particularly towards those who rely on water transport, as noted by Ejiofor Alike.
Last Tuesday, a heart-wrenching incident took place when a boat carrying 300 passengers capsized in the Niger River near the Jebba Dam, leaving many families in anguish. This tragic event not only cast a shadow of despair but also spotlighted an alarming trend; the Niger State Government previously announced that 182 individuals have lost their lives in boating accidents in the state over the last three years.
With approximately 4,000 kilometers of navigable waterways throughout Nigeria, these routes have sadly morphed into dangerous pathways. Over 1,000 fatalities have been reported in less than three years, primarily due to the dysfunctionality of the regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing water transportation.
While significant attention has been paid to air and land transport, the regulation and enforcement of safety protocols for water transport seem alarmingly inadequate. Critics point out that the government’s indifference towards water transport arises from the fact that it disproportionately affects the underprivileged, who mostly rely on this mode of travel.
In sharp contrast, the aviation sector is meticulously regulated by professionals and primarily caters to wealthier individuals. Unverified estimates suggest that around 300 lives are lost each year due to boat accidents, with states such as Sokoto, Anambra, Bayelsa, Lagos, Kano, Niger, Taraba, Ondo, Cross River, and Kebbi being the hardest hit.
One of the most devastating incidents happened on May 26, 2021, in Kebbi State, when a boat capsized while transporting people to a market, claiming the lives of 156 individuals. Another heartbreaking event occurred in April 2021, when 29 children drowned in Sokoto after their boat overturned while they were gathering firewood.
Statistics indicate that 2022 was the deadliest year for water transport, with over 300 fatalities, while more than 200 lives have been lost in 2023 alone. Among the notable incidents were the January 3 capsizing in Kebbi, which resulted in the deaths of 15 farmers, and a tragic accident on June 13 that took around 110 lives of individuals returning from a wedding in Niger State.
The recurring tragedies along Nigeria’s waterways have ignited renewed calls for immediate action. During a recent event aimed at improving safety awareness among boat operators, NIWA Managing Director Bola Oyebamiji attributed these ongoing tragedies to negligence and a glaring disregard for established safety protocols. He stressed the urgent need for adherence to proper vessel registration and operational guidelines.
While various government officials have expressed condolences following these tragedies, there remains a crucial need for tangible policy changes. Former President Muhammadu Buhari called upon transportation authorities to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations in response to previous boat accidents. Current President Bola Tinubu has also called for investigations into recent disasters. However, many believe these responses lack substance and are merely rhetorical.
Moving forward, it is essential for the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to take decisive action in enforcing regulations, holding parties accountable, and ensuring that safety protocols are not only implemented but strictly enforced. The lives of countless citizens are depending on this crucial effort.
