Reps urge FG to probe frequent boat accidents, enhance maritime safety
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to probe the incessant boat accidents across the country leading to loss of lives and property.
This was a sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on Tuesday titled, “Need to investigate the incessant boat mishaps in Nigeria’s waterways,” sponsored by the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State, Mr Unyime Idem.
He said, “Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing surge in boat mishaps in recent times, resulting in the tragic loss of numerous lives.
“The most recent incident, which occurred on Friday, November 29, 2024, was the devastating Kogi boat mishap, which took place along the Dambo-Ebuchi waterways of the River Niger in Kupa Local Government Area.
“This tragic incident involved over 160 passengers, with only 24 rescued, approximately 54 confirmed dead, and an unknown number still unaccounted for.”
He added that the Kogi boat accident “Marked the third passenger boat accident in Nigeria within a span of just 60 days.”
Recall that on October 3, 2024, a wooden dugout canoe carrying approximately 300 passengers capsized and sank in the River Niger, resulting in the loss of about 200 lives.
The Akwa Ibom lawmaker further added that only last week, “A collision between two boats in Delta State, southern Nigeria, claimed the lives of five people.
“The reoccurrence of these devastating incidents, culminating in the recent Kupa boat mishap in Kogi State, underscores the urgent need for improved maritime safety measures in Nigeria.”
“The House is aware that maritime experts have identified a combination of critical factors contributing to the alarming frequency of boat accidents in Nigeria.
“This include inadequate boat maintenance and poor design, overloading, lack of essential safety equipment and emergency response plans
He continued, “Others are insufficient training for boat operators, and a lack of strict regulatory enforcement.
“The House is also aware that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the National Inland Waterways Authority are responsible for enforcing safety regulations in the maritime sector.
“However, these agencies are reportedly more focused on revenue generation than ensuring the safety of passengers.”
He added that the recent surge in boat accidents has raised concerns about the safety of Nigeria’s waterways and the need for urgent intervention.
“If nothing is done to improve safety and emergency response systems, Nigerians will continue to face psychological trauma, economic losses, and untimely deaths,” he said.
With the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Government “Through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and Ministry of Transportation to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent boat mishaps in Nigeria, to provide insights and recommendations on improving maritime safety.”
It also urged NIMASA and NIWA to “Enforce safety regulations and ensure compliance with international maritime standards.”
Finally, the House mandated its Committees on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, and Inland Waterways to ensure compliance.
