Daniel Atori 
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has launched a 12-man River Marshal Team to enforce strict adherence to the Federal Government’s Water Transportation Codes by water users and boat operators to prevent frequent boat accidents on waterways.
The agency’s Area Manager in charge of Niger and Kwara states Akapo Adeboye said this during a sensitisation, inauguration, and unveiling of transportation codes for stakeholders at the Malale waterfronts in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Adeboye expressed concern over the disregard for safety precautions by water travellers, boat owners, and fishermen, who have refused to wear life jackets on the waterways, despite repeated warnings, leaving them vulnerable to boat accidents.
He “We are inaugurating the River Marshalls to ensure good waterways usage by our people. Water users, boat owners including fishermen must follow the federal government “Henceforth, overloading and night sailing after 6 pm is prohibited, but from 6 am to 6 pm daily.
“Our river marshalls alongside NIWA staff will arrest erring boat opera tors.” – He also urged communities along water banks to move to higher ground ahead of predicted flooding to ensure safety and prevent losses.
