Transport

Hard times await erring boat operators, NIWA boss vows

The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Dr George Moghalu has vowed that hard times await erring boat operators that flout safety measures put in place to guide their operations. He gave the warning in a press statement signed by Jibril Dardau,

Acting General Manager (Corporate Affairs) and made available to newsmen, on Friday in Lokoja, warning that non-adherence to the NIWA rules and regulations will be met with sanctions.

Moghalu said this had become necessary in view of recent avoidable boat mishaps in Lagos and Benue states, which claimed the lives of innocent Nigerians.

“The Authority is hereby warning all boat operators in the country to adhere strictly to inland waterways transportation safety guidelines.

“The Authority is sad with the recent (avoidable) boat mishaps in Lagos and Benue states that claimed so many lives as a result of flagrant violation of Inland Waterways Transportation Safety guidelines,” he said.

He commiserated with the families of the victims, the people and government of the affected states.

He stated that his reform agenda for the inland waterways transportation system in the country includes the eradication of boat accidents across all the waterways in the country. Nation

Pix: Lagos waterway boat