Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Our Reporter
Published on 2024-03-07 00:50:34
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of boat operators in Lagos, as they recently conducted a sensitisation session for 180 boat captains and deckhands. The NIWA Lagos Area Manager, Mrs. Sarat Braimah, highlighted the importance of addressing mishaps on the waterways and ensuring the safety of operators and passengers.
The boat captains and deckhands who participated in the sensitisation session were from various jetties including Ebute Ero, Majidun, Mayegun, Ijede, Ibeshe, Ofin, Badore, and Ajah. Braimah emphasized NIWA’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by boat operators and creating a safer environment for waterway transportation.
During the session, participants had the opportunity to express their concerns and collaborate with NIWA to strategize for greater efficiency in their operations. Braimah stressed the importance of shared responsibility in ensuring safety on the waterways and highlighted the lack of basic safety measures among boat operators.
To address this issue, NIWA is collaborating with certified trainers to provide training to boat operators at a fee of N80,000. Upon successful completion of the training, operators will receive a license valid for three years, which can be renewed upon expiration. Braimah also announced a three-month window for operators to undergo training and obtain their licenses.
Mrs. Elsie Egwantu, the NIWA Head of Marine, also emphasized the importance of adhering to safety measures and urged operators to actively participate in the training program. During the session, some boat operators raised concerns about inadequate remuneration and other conditions of service.
Operators admitted to managing faulty engines and over-speeding to meet targets, citing the pressure to avoid a N50,000 penalty from the Lagos State Waterways Authority and to beat the 7.00 p.m. jetty closure time. These unsafe practices were identified as contributing factors to mishaps on the waterways.
Overall, the sensitisation session conducted by NIWA aimed to promote a culture of safety among boat operators in Lagos, improve operational efficiency, and reduce the occurrence of accidents on the waterways. By providing training opportunities and emphasizing the importance of safety measures, NIWA is working towards creating a safer and more secure environment for waterway transportation in Lagos.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
