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The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on the National Inland Waterways Authority to enforce the water transportation code to standardise water transportation, minimise boat accidents and provide a structured environment for potential investors.
In a statement on Friday by his spokesman, Ismail Omipidan, the Minister identified night travelling and overloading as the major causes of boat accidents on the nation’s waterways.
Oyetola said all hands must be on deck to put an end to boat accidents, adding that boat users should adhere strictly to the water transportation code.
The statement reads: “I am aware that National Inland Waterways Authority embarked on an advocacy campaign recently, warning against the rising water tide, night travelling, over-loading, and the use of live jackets, including deploying its water Marshals to help enforce the transportation code”.
“I am calling on NIWA to enforce the code to the latter to significantly standardise water transportation, minimise boat accidents and create an enabling environment for potential investors.”
He, however, urged boat users to desist from travelling at night and overloading, noting that most boat accidents are avoidable if only boat users adhere strictly to the water transportation code.
He also advised boat users to wear live jackets before embarking on journeys.
PUNCH Online had reported that the Ministry was planning to implement policies and programmes to ensure the safety and security of the country’s waterways
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He also commiserated with the Niger State Government and families of those who died in the recent boat accident on the Gbajibo River in Niger State.
Oyetola urged the State Governments, especially the littoral states to brace up and collaborate with NIWA to put an end to the incessant accidents on the waters.
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