By Innocent Orok
The recent inauguration of a Special Committee to look into the incessant causes of boat mishaps and accidents in Nigerian Waterways by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola is the best thing to happen in the Waterways transportation sector in Nigeria in recent times , which was long overdue.
The Minister has also hit the nail on the head by putting up the committee of eminent professionals to find a lasting solution to the troubling Waterways transportation deaths , fear and disregards for laws covering the sector.
Besides, this committee if properly guided to carry out this all important task, will bring back confidence of both investors and stakeholders to invest and make use of Nigerian Waterways potentials which are yet to be fully tapped.
Very crucial in making our Waterways transportation infrastructure work is adequate budgetary provisions by the National Assembly, knowing fully well that Waterways infrastructure are very expensive, as such the National Assembly should be very intentional in budget matters concerning Inland Waterways opportunities and infrastructure. It cost a lot of money to dredge the waterways, and indeed, the money committed to coastal roads should actually go to Inland Waterways dredging, which is more enduring and sustainable. Also boat operators, dredgers, media, waterways tourism operators, and other stakeholders are very crucial to the success of this new era in our Waterways transportation sector.
According to the Minister, the setting up of the committee “is a crucial step towards ensuring safer waterways, protecting lives, and strengthening our marine transport administration.
“Our inland and coastal waterways are vital for commerce, transportation, and livelihoods. Therefore, the efficiency and safety of our marine transport system are paramount to developing our blue economy.
“Our waterways are not just channels of commerce, they are lifelines that connect communities, support livelihoods, and drive economic growth. However, frequent tragic boat mishaps across the country have posed significant challenges, resulting in loss of lives and properties. It is worrisome and this situation demands urgent intervention.”
No doubt the Minister and indeed stakeholders knows the Nigerian Waterways ecosystem holds a lot of potentials to rebounce the economy through its activities if resources are adequately deployed to grow the sector.
Over the years, the political will to develop the Waterways transportation sector in Nigeria has only gotten lip service and political promises without frontal efforts to churn out policies and programs backed up with financial power to see it work.
It is unfortunate that at this age and time Nigeria is still grappling with lack of standard jetties, rickety and substandard boats, lack of Safety and protection codes and enforcement of same, non implementation of laws and penalties for offenders and lack of regulation to curb infractions which often leads to destruction of lives and property.
It is therefore heartwarming that the Minister in his term of preference to the Committee has charged them to assess the challenges in commercial boat transport operations and bring up proposals to stem this menace, promising that the ministry is convinced that a retrospection is needful.
The Committee is also to conduct an in-depth review of commercial boat operations in the country, identify the root causes of boat mishaps and recommend sustainable solutions to enhance safety standards, improve regulatory frameworks, and expand inland waterways operation. “Your expertise, experience, and our belief in your commitment have earned you this selection.” the Minister assured.
“This assignment is of national importance, and we expect that you will approach it with utmost dedication. We are hopeful that your recommendations will usher in a safer, more sustainable marine transport system. I therefore urge you to be thorough and engage stakeholders adequately in the course of this assignment.
“As we gather today to address the pressing issue of boat mishaps, I would like to take a moment to appreciate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership in creating a dedicated Ministry for the Marine and Blue Economy. It is the platform that affords us this opportunity to focus on this very important problem. It is in line with the 2024 International World Maritime Day commemoration theme “Navigating the Future: Safety first”. Our commitment to the safety and security of all in our inland and coastal waters is firm. Solving this problem is key to our desire to unlock the vast potential of our marine resources.
“The task is daunting, but with your unwavering support and collaboration, we will achieve our goals. Let us seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact by eliminating boat mishaps in our waterways, ensuring that they remain safe, reliable, navigable and prosperous for generations to come. Together, let’s build a marine transport system prioritizing safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
“By this inauguration of this Special Committee, we are taking a crucial step towards achieving this goal. I am pleased to note the swift cooperation of the States that we have beckoned to join in this noble assignment”, the minister assured.
Added to terms of preference by the Minister, it is very important for the Committee to take a critical look at infrastructure and facilities in and around our inland Waterways in the country. The committee is expected to go round the country for on the spot assessment of both government and private sector infrastructure and facilities around and within our Waterways.
As we speak, Nigeria cannot boost of a modern and world standard jetties, especially the ones provided by government. There is no gain saying, the government is always a defaulter in its duty to provide the needed infrastructure . The committee is therefore expected to do a thorough job in order to provide the government with the needed information and data to make our Waterways transportation infrastructure up to date by global standards.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
Engr. Yahaya Danladi
(Kogi State), Barr. Attahiru Maccido (Kebbi State),
Hajiya Adiza Idris Kuta
(Niger State), Mr Denis Ter Iyaghigba (Benue State).
Others are , Mr Gani Tazan Balogun ( representing Boat Operators), Navy Capt. Stan (Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Mr Ralph Onoshapkor, (Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ), Professor Idiba Douglas, a specialist in marine engineering and former Director of Shell/NNPC Centre of Excellence in Marine and Offshore Engineering.
The committee will be chaired by Hon. Bola Oyebamiji (Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA), while Mr Adams Offie, (Deputy Director, Inland Waterways Division of the Ministry) will serve as Secretary.
As the government has placed a transformative task on this committee to liberate and upgrade Nigerian inland Waterways standards, all eyes are on them. Let the committee engage all stakeholders, boat operators, dredgers, partners, media, communities , investors and experts in finding a lasting solution to Nigerian inland Waterways ecosystem.
Like the the Minister assured,
“I have no doubt that this committee is adequately composed and will deliver on its mandate. On this note, I hereby inaugurate the Special Committee on Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria and wish you success in your deliberations. The timeline for the assignment is six weeks.”
Let the committee not fail Nigerians.We wish them a successful team work.
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