Nigeria is blessed with bodies of water that have remained unexploited and ignored by successive governments at all levels, in enhancing the mass movement of not only people from one point to another, but also serves as a means of transporting goods in a cheap and safe manner, as against road, air or rail transport. Marine transport if properly managed, regulated and promoted is capable of providing an alternative means of transport for many Nigerians.
Instead, the sector has been ignored for so long that our waterways have turned into killing fields where many Nigerians have lost their lives with no fault of their and many others who are traders have lost their sole means of livelihood. The litany of deaths on the many rivers in the country should pose a source of concern to the three tiers of government. Proactive steps should be taken to make our waterways not only safer but that more funds should be pumped into the marine transport sector to provide modern ferries and boats.
Annually, Nigeria loses 300 citizens to avoidable mishaps on the nation’s waterway. Between 2021-2923, the states with the most records of deaths from boat accidents were Sokoto, Anambra, Bayelsa, Lagos, Kano, Niger, Taraba, Ondo, Cross River and Kebbi. This year hasn’t been an exception either, as a number of boat accidents have happened that led to the death of many and the loss of goods and property. In October alone, Kwara State recorded the loss of 200 persons in an incident that occurred at Gearbox Village in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state.
Some of the notable incidents include the January 8, boat accident in Lokoja, that resulted in seven deaths; the October 6, accident, which claimed 21 lives; the October 3, tragedy on the River Niger in Anambra State, where 28 persons died; the October 1, boat accident in Mokwa that left 44 dead and the horrific accident in Anambra State, where 76 people mostly traders died on October 7 after the boat they were travelling in capsized.
The entertainment industry was thrown into mourning on April 10, when a boat carrying 12 actors and crew members was involved in an accident on Anam River, while on their way to a location in Delta State, leading to the loss of five passengers, including a popular Nollywood actor, Mr. Paul Odonwodo, also known as Junior Pope. However, the latest boat accident in Kogi State in which 54 persons were confirmed dead and 26 survivors rescued has generated intense debate and reactions on the need to end the loss of human lives because of the nation’s poor marine transport system.
The preliminary investigation into the boat mishap in Kupa, Kogi State, revealed that the accident occurred when the boat driver tried to evade water marshals of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). “Given that visibility is likely to be poor during that time, it’s possible the boat driver took action to avoid being apprehended by the NIWA water marshals who were patrolling the waterways toward Katcha market in Niger State,” an eyewitness told journalists.
As usual, a flurry of reactions from those calling for an investigation into the accident to messages of condolence have poured in since the incident occurred. A social media user on X, @Njacoach on has this to say. “What I can’t really understand is why a state police commissioner would fold hands and wait for orders from above to investigate serious crime scene where over 100 lives were potentially lost. Perhaps, it points to just how our police commanders nationwide place little value on human lives. By the way, why is the Nigerian Navy not involved or collaborating in this investigation? Is it because it’s not a case of oil bunkering that routinely grabs their attention
Also, another X user @Madonite said on handle: “So, without this order by the inspector general, no one investigates? @PoliceNG what are your constitutional responsibilities? Do you need an order to fulfil them? Stop this pandering and eye-service and do your job in your jurisdictions. Act like an institution of state that you are.” Another person @iamchikasunrise responded like this, “Nigeria police should stop these deceits of inspector general of police setting up investigative panels on issues of public interests and no report will see d light of d day.”
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The House of Representatives also joined the fray, passing a resolution that called on the federal government to probe the incessant boat accidents across the country. The Kogi State Government in its reaction said it was deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic boat accident that occurred in Kupa Ebbe Village during the early hours November 28. The state government advocated for stricter safety measures in marine operations across the state. The government further reiterated being committed to implementing legal and administrative frameworks to safeguard the lives of both operators and passengers using marine transport.
However, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, called for increased collaboration between the federal agency and state governments to enhance the safety and security of inland waterways transportation. He was speaking at a one-day consultative forum on safety and insecurity on inland waterways, organized by the Nigeria Transportation Commissioners’ Forum held in Ilorin. Oyebamiji emphasized the critical role that safety and security play in fostering a thriving water transportation system.
But truth be told, while governments at all levels have focused on air and land transportation, effective regulation and enforcement of existing guidelines are lacking in the marine sector. Operators in the marine transport sector are mostly non-professionals, as against the aviation sector that remains the most regulated by professionals.
To avert these recurring boat accidents and enhance marine transport, governments at all levels should stop the tradition of mourning and commiserating with the families and victims of boat such unfortunate happenings, but ensure that water transport is run by professionals who will apply the stringent rules and safety standards similar to those of the air transportation.
