NIWA Intensifies Boat Inspections On Lagos Waterways, Threatens Boat Confiscation Over Non-Compliance

By Samuel Egbewole 

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced stricter safety monitoring on Lagos waterways ahead of the end-of-year period, warning boat operators that failure to comply with registration and inspection requirements could result in the confiscation of their vessels.

The warning was issued by the Head of NIWA’s Marine Department, Engr. Elsie Egwatu, who represented the Lagos Area Manager, Engr. Sarat Braimah, during a safety awareness campaign at Liverpool Jetty, Lagos.

Egwatu explained that the campaign was designed to reinforce operators’ knowledge of safety regulations and encourage strict compliance with established guidelines. She noted that human error, rather than natural occurrences, was responsible for most accidents on the waterways.

She emphasised the importance of continuous safety education for both boat operators and passengers, stressing that adherence to operational guidelines was essential to reducing accidents and improving safety on the waterways.

As part of efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight, Egwatu disclosed that NIWA was upgrading its monitoring and inspection procedures, with particular attention to smaller vessels that experience faster wear and tear because of frequent daily operations.

She stated that the agency had doubled its inspection efforts by introducing quarterly checks for smaller boats, noting that their frequent use made them more susceptible to damage.

According to her, the quarterly assessments were intended to complement NIWA’s annual registration and inspection procedures, ensuring that vessels used for public transportation remained in safe operating condition throughout the year.

Egwatu warned that boats operated in violation of registration and inspection requirements would be confiscated, adding that the authority would intensify enforcement measures to ensure compliance with its regulations.

The Marine Department head also disclosed that NIWA had been conducting safety awareness programmes at various jetties across Lagos, including Sabokoji, Ikorodu, Makoko and Ibeche. She added that Siemens Jetty was among the locations scheduled to host a forthcoming awareness programme.

She reaffirmed that safety enforcement remained an ongoing responsibility, explaining that the authority would continue engaging industry stakeholders while taking action against operators who persistently disregard established regulations.

On operator training and licensing, Egwatu explained that boat operators were required to complete a mandatory training programme at a one-time cost of ₦95,000. Upon completing the training, operators would pay ₦16,500 for a licence valid for three years before renewal became necessary.

She added that although NIWA had previously allowed operators sufficient time to fulfil the training requirements, the authority would now adopt a more aggressive approach to enforcement.

Beyond operational safety, Egwatu urged boat operators and passengers to maintain clean waterways by refraining from dumping plastic bags and other waste into the water.

Addressing concerns about the absence of waste bins at Liverpool Jetty, she announced that plans were underway to install bins at the facility and other locations across Lagos. The initiative, she explained, was expected to reinforce ongoing public awareness campaigns on proper waste disposal and environmental conservation.

While acknowledging the challenges involved in achieving full compliance among boat operators and commuters, Egwatu maintained that NIWA would continue combining public education with strict enforcement. She stressed that consistent monitoring was essential to sustaining safety standards on the waterways.

She also called on members of the public to support the authority by reporting dangerous practices and regulatory violations on the water. She urged all participants in water transportation to share relevant information and work collectively towards making Lagos waterways safer and more efficient.

The awareness campaign forms part of NIWA’s broader efforts to strengthen safety consciousness and regulatory compliance on Lagos waterways, particularly ahead of the end-of-year period, when heightened vigilance is crucial to protecting lives and property.