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The President of the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN), Mr. Tope Fajemirokun, has commended the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) for their collaboration in improving safety and regulatory compliance on Nigeria’s waterways.
Speaking on Villa Square, a segment of the weekly tourism and culture programme Cr8tive Naija on Mainland 98.3 FM Lagos, Fajemirokun said WABOTAN has intensified efforts to educate boat operators and passengers on safety measures ahead of the rainy season.
According to him, the association has already conducted two safety induction programmes this year and is planning another before August to reinforce compliance with safety standards across the sector.
Fajemirokun, however, noted that rising fuel prices and prevailing economic challenges have placed significant pressure on operators, limiting their ability to acquire new vessels and expand their businesses.
He also praised LASWA’s clearance of water hyacinth from Lagos waterways, describing the exercise as crucial to safer navigation, while noting that NIWA has continued to support sensitisation efforts across the country.
The WABOTAN President expressed concern over recurring waterway accidents in coastal states such as Rivers and Bayelsa during the rainy season, adding that the association is working with regulators to strengthen awareness and compliance among operators.
He also welcomed the establishment of state waterway authorities in parts of the country, noting that NIWA has provided guidance to support their development.
On the continued use of banana and wooden boats, Fajemirokun called for greater government support to help operators replace ageing vessels with safer alternatives.
“The government needs to support operators, as the Lagos State Government has done. Eliminating unsafe boats will be easier with the necessary investment and assistance,” he said.
Fajemirokun further argued that greater investment in water transportation is necessary to reduce operating costs and make the mode of transport more attractive to commuters.
Also speaking on the programme, veteran maritime journalist Frank Meke said Nigeria must take advantage of its waterways to ease pressure on congested roads and boost economic activities.
He cited states such as Kwara, Niger, Benue and Taraba, where inland waterways could provide a cost-effective means of moving agricultural produce to markets.
According to Meke, government intervention should include soft loans for operators, investment in transport infrastructure and continuous training for industry personnel to improve service delivery.
“Nigerians need efficient alternatives to road transport. Government should provide soft loans to operators and invest in training to improve safety and service delivery across the sector,” he said.
Fajemirokun urged operators and passengers to prioritise safety at all times by ensuring the proper use of life jackets before every journey.
