From Ben Dunno, Warri
The Warri Area Manager, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Engr Rufus Oladimeji, has expressed concern over the safety of boat passengers and goods along the creeks of the Niger Delta region, especially within coverage areas, and stressed the need for a robust synergy among all stakeholders to enhance the safety of lives and property.
Consequently, he appealed to the Delta government through the Commissioner of Transportation to work in synergy with the Authority to intensify enforcement and regulatory oversight based on the newly gazetted Inland Waterways Safety Code 2023, enacted to ensure the safety and security of the waterways.
Engr. Oladimeji made the appeal in a speech delivered during a one-day sensitisation workshop with the theme “Total Safety Measures Compliance On Our Waterways,” held yesterday, at the Delta State Government Jetty, inside the main market in the Warri South Local Government area of the slate.
He also canvassed the need for the various security agencies, mostly the Navy, Marine Police, and Civil Defence, to partner with the parastatal in the area of law enforcement, as a way of enhancing their presence and response capabilities while dealing with defaulters of the safety codes.
The statement read in part, “Distinguished guests, especially the representatives of the Delta state government here present, today, I am honoured to welcome and address you today on behalf of the Managing Director/CEO National Inland Waterways Authority on the critical issue of safety on our waterways.
“As we gather here, I am pleased to announce that the National Inland Waterways Safety Code 2023 has been gazetted, marking a significant milestone in our efforts to ensure the safety and security of our waterways.
“This comprehensive code outlines the regulations and guidelines for safe navigation, vessel operation, and environmental protection on our inland waterways. It also introduces penalties for various offences, including non-compliance with safety measures, reckless operation, and environmental degradation.
“I urge all stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the code and adhere to its provisions. Let us work together to: Ensure strict compliance with safety regulations, Enhance safety infrastructure and equipment, Promote education, training, and awareness, Foster collaboration and information sharing among stakeholders, and encourage community involvement and reporting of incidents.
“I appeal to the Commissioner of Transportation to work in synergy with the Authority to intensify enforcement and regulatory oversight. I request the Navy, Marine Police, and Civil Defence to enhance their presence and response capabilities.
“To our Royal Highness, I request your continued support and advocacy for water safety. Market Women Association, your role in disseminating safety information is crucial. Pressmen, your coverage will help raise awareness and promote compliance.
“Let us join forces to create a culture of safety on our waterways, preventing tragedies, protecting the environment, and ensuring prosperity for generations to come.
“Key highlights of the National Inland Waterways Safety Code 2023 include regulations for safe navigation and vessel operation, penalties for non-compliance, reckless operation, and environmental degradation, and enhanced safety infrastructure and equipment requirements.
“In conclusion, the National Inland Waterways Safety Code 2023 marks a new era for waterways safety in our nation. Let us embrace this milestone and work together to ensure its successful implementation.
“We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to make our waterways safe, secure, and sustainable.
“Let us commit to a culture of safety, responsibility, and accountability. Let us join hands to prevent accidents, protect lives, and preserve the environment.
“Together, we can make a difference. Together, we will make our waterways a beacon of safety and prosperity for all,” he concluded.
Various units of boat operators well attended the event and associations saw the delivery of quite a number of lectures to the participants and also offered the leadership of these groups the opportunity to ask questions on some critical issues that border on their operations
The high point of the workshop was a display of rescue operations on the river by a team of well-trained safety experts and the distribution of life jackets to the leadership of these boat associations to their passengers.
