By Janefrances Chibuzor
The Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN) has stepped up efforts to improve safety across the nation’s inland waterways, announcing plans for a third safety induction programme for operators before August as part of measures to reduce accidents during the rainy season.
President of the association, Mr Tope Fajemirokun, disclosed this while speaking on Villa Square, a programme on Mainland 98.3 FM Lagos, saying WABOTAN has made safety awareness a top priority for members.
“Since the beginning of the year, we have been educating our members on safety measures. We have conducted two safety induction programmes this year and are currently planning another one before August,” Fajemirokun said.
He explained that the association’s continuous training and sensitisation initiatives are aimed at strengthening compliance with safety standards and promoting responsible operations across Nigeria’s waterways, particularly as seasonal weather conditions heighten navigational risks.
Fajemirokun commended the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) for their collaboration with operators, describing their partnership as crucial to improving regulation and safety in the sector.
He particularly praised LASWA’s efforts in clearing water hyacinth from Lagos waterways, noting that the invasive aquatic plant poses significant navigation and safety challenges for boat operators.
Beyond safety, the WABOTAN president highlighted the economic difficulties confronting operators, citing rising fuel costs and inflationary pressures as major obstacles to fleet expansion and investment in modern vessels.
He urged governments to provide financial support to facilitate the replacement of ageing wooden and banana boats with safer alternatives, pointing to Lagos State’s interventions as a model for other states.
According to him, greater investment in water transport infrastructure and targeted subsidies could make water travel more affordable and help reduce pressure on congested road networks.
Fajemirokun noted that the high cost of water transportation remains a concern, with passengers paying about ₦5,000 for a trip between Badagry and CMS in Lagos.
Also speaking on the programme, veteran maritime journalist Frank Meke called for increased investment in Nigeria’s waterways, arguing that the country’s vast inland water resources remain largely underutilised.
He advocated soft loans for boat operators, improved training, stronger emergency response systems and a coordinated national strategy to unlock opportunities within the blue economy.
Meke also identified the potential for expanded water transport in agricultural states such as Kwara, Niger, Benue and Taraba, saying improved river transport could ease the movement of farm produce to markets.
Fajemirokun reaffirmed WABOTAN’s commitment to safety, urging both operators and passengers to make life jacket use non-negotiable, regardless of the length of any journey.
