The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Lagos Area Office, on Saturday sensitised 180 boat captains and deckhands operating in Lagos about waterway safety.
Mrs Sarat Braimah, the NIWA Lagos Area Manager, said that the sensitisation was in a bid to address mishaps on waterways.
According to her, the boat captains and deckhands are from various jetties, including Ebute Ero, Majidun, Mayegun, Ijede, Ibeshe, Ofin, Badore and Ajah.
Braimah said that NIWA was committed to addressing challenges faced by boat operators.
She said that the event provided an opportunity for the operators and NIWA to express their concerns and collectively strategise for greater efficiency.
“The recent surge in mishaps is not good, we should ensure that safety on waterways is a shared responsibility.
“There is lack of basic safety measures among boat operators; so, NIWA is collaborating with certified trainers to provide training at the rate of N80,000.
“Upon successful completion, operators will receive a licence valid for three years, renewable upon expiration,” she said.
Braimah also said that boat operators were granted a three-month window to undergo training and obtain licenes.
“Operators failing to comply will face sanctions,” she said.
Mrs Elsie Egwantu, NIWA Head of Department of Marine, said it was important to sensitise boat operators about safety measures.
She urged the operators to actively participate in the programme.
During the session, some boat operators expressed concerns about inadequate remuneration and other conditions of service.
Some of the operators admitted managing faulty engines and overspeeding to meet targets.
They said that rushing to beat the 7.00 p.m. jetty closure time and avoiding N50,000 penalty from Lagos State Waterways Authority contributed to unsafe practices.
