SEREC Commends Formation Of Committee To Address Boat Mishaps In Nigeria

SEREC Commends Formation Of Committee To Address Boat Mishaps In Nigeria

By Frank Odinukaeze

The Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) has lauded the recent establishment of a special committee by the Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, aimed at addressing the persistent issue of boat mishaps in Nigeria’s inland waterways. This initiative is seen as a timely and necessary intervention to enhance the safety and efficiency of waterway transport across the nation.

In a memorandum addressed to the committee’s chairman, SEREC, speaking through Fwdr.Eugene Nweke, Head of Research of the organisation,highlighted the critical need for a comprehensive review of the National Inland Waterways Authority’s (NIWA) administrative functions.
The memorandum draws on firsthand experiences from SEREC’s research expedition along the Ikorodu-Badagry inland water channels, where various community leaders and monarchs voiced their concerns.

SEREC emphasized several key areas for the committee’s consideration:

Navigability of Waterways: Many rivers and channels are currently not navigable due to inadequate dredging activities, posing significant safety risks and limiting economic potential.
Water Hyacinth Management: While the harvesting and processing of water hyacinth for agricultural purposes is commendable, SEREC stressed the importance of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
Water Topographic Challenges: Varying water levels, currents, and depths impact the safety and efficiency of commercial boat operations, necessitating tailored recommendations for different regions.
Workforce Capacity: The current workforce of NIWA must be assessed to identify strengths and areas needing additional training or resources to effectively implement the committee’s recommendations.
The committee’s terms of reference include reviewing existing commercial boat transport operations, assessing the causes of boat mishaps, and developing strategies for administrative effectiveness. SEREC believes that addressing these challenges will significantly reduce accidents and enhance the inland waterways’ contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
SEREC said, “In light of the plans to phase out wooden boats and introduce quality, fibre/aluminum boats, the committee should also consider the potential impact on the workforce and the overall safety of the inland waterways. The collaboration between NIWA and the indigenous boat manufacturing company is a step in the right direction, and the committee should build on this momentum to ensure that the new boats meet the required safety standards and specifications.

“For emphasis, the SEREC is wish to by propose the following recommendations for the consideration of the committee:
1. Develop a comprehensive dredging plan to improve the navigability of the inland waterways.
2. Implement a sustainable water hyacinth management strategy that balances the needs of commercial boat operations with environmental concerns.
3. Conduct a thorough assessment of the water topographic challenges affecting the inland waterways and develop strategies to mitigate their impact.
4. Provide training and resources to the NIWA workforce to enhance their capacity and expertise in managing the inland waterways.
5. Ensure that the new boats introduced as part of the phase-out of wooden boats meet the required safety standards and specifications”.
SEREC suggested that the committee’s recommendations should prioritize the safety and viability of commercial boat operations in the inland waterway transport system, while also taking into account the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the different regions, the present workforce of NIWA, and the environmental concerns associated with water hyacinth and water topographic challenges.
“The SEREC is of the view that, by considering these factors and developing a comprehensive plan, the committee can provide informed and practicable solutions to reduce accidents on the waterways to the barest minimum, as envisioned by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola.

“Finally, as an advise to the committee, the Center wish to remind and urge the committee to do a thorough job with this crucial assignment, as the maritime industry stakeholders are expectant and desirous of a positive changes in the NIMA administration responsiveness and operational narratives.
“As such, the committee may reconsider the 21 days timeline given to it by the Hon Minister and request for a month timeline, so as to cover the expected scope of its activities.

“The committee may also have the need to look into the reports and recommendations of similar previous committees, it may help to fast track its assignment” it concluded.
SEREC’s memorandum underscores the importance of region-specific recommendations, particularly for the northern and central regions, which have unique geographical characteristics and usage patterns.
The organization remains optimistic that the committee’s work will lead to actionable solutions that ensure safer and more efficient waterway transport in Nigeria.