By: Joy Enamuna

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime industry have expressed deep concern over the constant disappearance of standard life jackets donated to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), which are meant to enhance safety on the country’s waterways.

The life jackets were donated to improve public confidence in water transportation, even as many boats continue to operate without meeting safety standards.

These stakeholders, including maritime experts and industry professionals, are alarmed by the lack of accountability regarding the use of the donated life jackets.

They claimed that while the jackets are intended to protect passengers, reports of accidents on the water consistently show that investigations into such incidents remain unpublished and unresolved, leading to recurring safety lapses.

Despite the repeated donations of life jackets by well-meaning individuals and organizations, including the Lagos State government, concerns have grown about the quality and maintenance of these safety devices. Maritime leaders argue that many of the life jackets are not in proper condition, with reports of them being dirty, unsanitized, and unhygienic—raising health concerns and contributing to the spread of infections.

A prominent maritime figure, who requested anonymity, expressed frustration to Trace News, stating that he is often disgusted by the state of the life jackets provided to passengers. “Most of the life jackets are dirty, smell unpleasant, and are not properly sanitized. This is not just a safety issue but a health risk,” he said.

The stakeholders are also calling for a major overhaul in the leadership of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), urging the government to replace the current directors with younger, more dynamic individuals who possess the relevant experience and expertise to address the challenges facing the sector.

The call for improvement comes shortly after NIWA’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, urged increased collaboration with relevant authorities to enhance the safety and security of inland waterways transportation. In his remarks, Oyebamiji appealed to the Honourable Commissioners for Transportation in various states to join forces with NIWA in initiatives such as safety campaigns, infrastructure development, training, and financial empowerment.

The ongoing calls for reform highlight the urgent need for action to ensure the safety of water transportation in Nigeria and to prevent further loss of life in preventable accidents.