The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced plans to recruit and deploy about 800 water marshals across Nigeria by December.
The initiative aims to enhance safety and strengthen regulation on the country’s waterways.
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The Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, disclosed the plan while addressing journalists on Wednesday.
He said the move aims to curb frequent boat mishaps, enforce life jacket compliance, and monitor unauthorised loading points.
According to Oyebamiji, part of the water marshals’ responsibilities will include sensitising passengers and operators on safe navigation practices.
“The Federal Government is doing a wonderful job on water safety. We have all the gadgets to enhance safety,” he said.
Oyebamiji revealed that currently, there are between 350 and 450 water marshals, and the goal is to increase this number so that authorised jetties across the country have more than one marshal enforcing safety rules.
“All the equipment and navigational aids we need are provided, and we plan to have more police and more marshals to monitor our waterways because they are not enough,” he added.
He further stated, “We are working to increase the number before the end of the year to 800 if we have the opportunity to finance it.”
Oyebamiji also highlighted that there are four to five monitoring teams, including task forces, deployed across all waterways, especially in riverine areas, to complement the efforts of water marshals.
He urged boat users to follow safety rules and instructions given by marshals.
He stressed that “boats users must discard water protection superstitious beliefs and adhere to scientifically provided safety and protection rules, especially the use of life jackets which increase chances of survival in cases of mishaps.”
The NIWA boss further called on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Coastal Guard Bill.
He also emphasised the need for collaboration with riverine state governments to enhance water safety nationwide.
