By Fatima Saka
The Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Marine Transport have directed the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to prioritize dredging major rivers, including the River Benue and others, to mitigate annual flooding and enhance waterway safety in Nigeria.
During the 2025 budget defence session on Wednesday, the committee raised concerns over the increasing number of accidents on the nation’s waterways, noting that over 400 lives have been lost due to boat overloading and other safety lapses. Lawmakers described Nigeria’s waterways as a “death trap” that poses a significant risk to citizens.
Dredging Cost and Safety Challenges
Responding to the committee’s mandate, NIWA’s Managing Director, Mr. Nola Oyebamiji, disclosed that it would cost approximately $3.7 trillion to dredge the country’s waterways. He assured lawmakers that dredging remains a top priority in NIWA’s 2025 infrastructure development agenda.
He further emphasized that human negligence plays a major role in boat mishaps, adding that NIWA is working diligently to improve water transport safety.
He suggested that replacing wooden boats with steel alternatives could help reduce accidents.
“Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, and Benue. This is on our priority list in this 2025 budget for infrastructural development.”
Lawmakers Call for Equal Attention to Water Transportation
Co-chairman of the committee, Hon. Ojotu Ojeme, lamented the neglect of water transportation compared to road and air transport.
“The entire transport system is like a human with three legs: road, air, and water. While the government has prioritized road and air transport, water transportation has been completely abandoned,” he said.
Ojeme stressed that improving waterway infrastructure would enhance safety and boost economic activities, particularly for communities that rely on waterways for transportation and commerce. He urged the government to give equal attention to marine transport.
Senate Committee Advocates for Coastguards
Senator Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, reiterated the need for the government to invest in both dredging and accident prevention on waterways.
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“We will escalate this issue by writing to the relevant ministry and, if necessary, the President. If NIWA is given Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), they must also be provided with the necessary funding to meet those targets,” he stated.
Sanni also highlighted the importance of empowering marine marshals and establishing coastguards to monitor safety compliance.
“In developed countries, coastguards are responsible for enforcing safety regulations and conducting search-and-rescue operations. Nigeria’s inland waterways must also be properly patrolled to curb infractions and ensure safety,” he added.
The committee urged NIWA to strengthen its safety measures while lawmakers pledged to push for policies that would improve the country’s inland waterways and prevent further tragedies.
