- AMES encourages FG to prioritize wreck removals
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has encouraged maritime stakeholders and coastal communities to prioritize safe and sustainable practices on Nigerian inland waterways.
NIWA’s Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, made this appeal while speaking at the 2024 World Maritime Day (WMD) celebration in Lagos, even as he reiterated the Authority’s commitment to safe operations on the inland waterways.
According to him, Nigeria has made significant strides in the maritime sector, especially, in enhancing inland waterways infrastructure and services for safe operations.
“NIWA has been at the forefront of these efforts, working tirelessly to improve navigability, safety, and accessibility across our vast network of rivers and lakes. Our initiatives have not only facilitated trade but have also provided alternative transportation routes that ease congestion on our roads.
“However, as we celebrate our successes, we must also confront the challenges that lie ahead. Issues such as pollution, climate change impacts, and inadequate infrastructure require urgent attention,” the NIWA boss said.
Oyebamiji, however, maintained that it is imperative that the nation adopts innovative solutions and engages in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders to address pressing concerns effectively.
“Let us work together to create policies that protect our waterways while fostering economic development. By doing so, we will ensure that future generations inherit a thriving maritime industry that continues to serve as a backbone for trade and commerce,” he posited.
Also speaking, the President of Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES), Mr. Israel Obadan, stressed that efforts towards the removal of surface and submerged wrecks from navigable water ways must continue to prevent accidents.
While noting that the morale and training of operators in the maritime domain goes a long way in guaranteeing safe operations, Obadan extolled the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with improved conditions of service for Nigerian seafarers and port workers.
“The Vessel Traffic system-VTS deployed for safe navigation in ports and channels is another good foresight.
“AMES has been advocating for an alternative out of the box sea-time training program to absorb our teeming cadets from the various accredited MTIs. It is high time we find a lasting solution to this perennial problem of lack of practical sea training berths for cadets,” Engr. Obadan argued.
