| dc.description.abstract | In May 2025, a devastating boat accident in Gbajibo community, Kwara State, claimed at least 27 lives, marking the third major tragedy in the region in less than two years. Similar accidents in October 2024 and June 2023 resulted in over 160 deaths, revealing a persistent and deadly pattern. These incidents, largely reported to be caused by overloading, adverse weather, and regulatory lapses, continue despite presidential directives and the recent establishment of a Special Committee to prevent boat mishaps by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
The recurrence of these tragedies reveals systemic weaknesses in Nigeria’s inland waterway safety enforcement, inadequate oversight by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and a lack of public awareness on water transport safety protocols. These failures endanger the lives of millions who depend on water transportation across the country.
To address these challenges , legislative intervention is urgently required. The National Assembly may wish to:
● Summon NIWA to provide a full account of investigations and safety enforcement following recent incidents;
● Conduct a public hearing involving the Special FG Committee on Boat Mishaps to evaluate the effectiveness of current policies and identify legal or operational gaps;
● Assess funding and resource adequacy for NIWA and related agencies responsible for inland waterway regulation;
● Mandate nationwide safety education campaigns through the National Orientation Agency to inform passengers and operators about life jacket use, overloading dangers, and night-time sailing bans.
These actions may help strengthen safety standards, restore public trust, and prevent future tragedies on Nigeria’s waterways. | en_US |
