THE Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Dr George Moghalu has cautioned boat operators in the country to adhere strictly to inland waterways transportation safety guidelines or risk sanctions.
Moghalu who made the call in a press statement signed by Jibril Dardau, Acting General Mamager (Corporate Affairs) and made available to newsmen on Friday in Lokoja said non-adherence would henceforth attract sanctions.
The Managing Director held that the caution had become necessary in view of the recent avoidable boat mishaps in Lagos and Benue States which claimed lives of innocent commuting Nigerians.
“The Authority is hereby warning all boat operators in the country to adhere strictly to inland waterways transportation safety guidelines.
“The Authority is sad with the recent (avoidable) boat mishaps in Lagos and Benue States that claimed so many lives as a result of flagrant violation of Inland Waterways Transportation Safety guidelines”, he said.
The Managing Director commiserated with the families, people and Government of the affected states and warned boat operators to adhere strictly to NIWA safety guidelines or be sanctioned.
Moghalu reiterated that his reform agenda for the inland waterways transportation system in the country was aimed at minimising, if not total eradication, of boat mishaps on the waterways.
