The federal government on Thursday said it has within the last four months increased and launched the number of Water Marshals from 80 to 350 personnel to manage major flashpoints across the nation.
This was even as the government added that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) was currently revitalising seven (7) search and rescue centres inherited by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at the stakeholders’ meeting on Safety and Insecurity on Inland Waterways in Nigeria.
He noted: “In our bid to protect the lives and goods of commuters on the inland waterways, we have ensured that the Transportation Code, 2023, was gazetted.
“To give a bite to the code, These officers have been further directed to begin 24-hour surveillance across major jetties and loading points within the inland waterways.
“Similarly, just few days ago, the Ministry approved for NIWA, the engagement of private organisations, through public advertisement, to help strengthen our efforts at ensuring accident-free inland waterways.
“As I welcome all of you to this strategic solution-seeking meeting organised by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to inject fresh ideas into the transportation sector of the inland waterways, especially as it relates to safety and security, I want to say that government genuinely sympathise with families of victims who has lost their lives on our waterways and as a ministry, we are doing everything possible to avoid a repeat of the sad accidents. I am confident that with the cooperation of the states, these accidents will become things of the past by the Grace of God.”
Speaking further, the minister explained that in June this year, “you will recall that we commissioned fifteen (15) boats of varying capacities and uses, including three (3) security patrol boats; five (5) high-capacity boats for enforcement of safety rules; one (1) Gun Patrol Boat (combat ready); one (1) 62-seater passenger boat (as a pilot scheme); three (3) fully equipped water ambulances; and two (2) hydrographic survey boats.
“These we did in quick response to the obvious challenges on the inland waterways. Also, through the 2024 budget, NIWA is currently revitalising 7 search and rescue centres inherited by this administration.
“All these we have done within the shortest life of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in line with the role of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). However, we recognise the need for stronger collaboration with the critical stakeholders within the sector, particularly at this time.
“The states of the Federation and other critical stakeholders present here all have strategic roles to play in this sector if we must achieve the desired result of keeping our inland waters safe for maximum economic gains. It is against this background that this important meeting was called. While here, I enjoin us to be frank and open. This is a meeting where the bitter truth must be told for the benefit of our people. We can not afford to let Nigerians down.”
Oyetola maintained that, “from the reports available to us, it is clear that all of us must work together to defeat issues of illegalities and blatant disregard for established rules on the waterways. It is illegal to use unregistered crafts on our waters. Every boat operator must be registered and certified by the relevant authorities.
“Overloading of goods and passengers is prohibited. Night sailing beyond 6p.m. and failure to use protective gear are against the law. These and many more have been identified as critical to a safer waterway and will be the basis of our discussion at this gathering,” he said.