The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has organised a 3-day training programme on safety measures for Boat riders and skippers across the six geopolitical zones with the theme: “Training of Boat drivers and skippers on boat navigation and safety”.

Addressing staff at the North Central zone’s programme, Engineer Komolafe Eniola Olabode the NIWA Area Manager Lokoja Area Office said over 90 percent of accidents on the Nation’s Waterways is caused by human errors. As such, the Management has directed strict compliance with Waterways regulations.

He said “the safety on waterways is not all about wearing life jacket alone, but the boat masters have to consider addressing issues of overloading, poor condition of vessels and knowledge of load marks, including the knowledge to read water wave or current at a given time.

“In ensuring a safety on waterways, boat masters, riders or operators must be trained to know the basic knowledge and behaviour of vessels and the water”.

Audam Joseph the workshop training consultant, also said “to ensure safety on the country’s waterways, the operators, particularly the boat riders and skippers must be trained, and kept updated constantly to prevent avoidable accidents”.

The participants commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola CON, the Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and Mr. Bola Oyebamiji FCIB the former Managing Director of NIWA for this initiative which has updated them on how to operate effectively to minimize accident on waterways.

The highlight of the 3-day programme was the presentation of certificates to the participants.