The member representing the Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, Hon. Engr. Rodney Ambaiowei, raised a disaster motion on Thursday, 20th July 2023, regarding the frequent occurrences of boat and watercraft mishaps along Nigerian coastal lines and waterways.
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Hon. Engr. Rodney Ambaiowei
Ambaiowei noted that Nigeria has about 853km of coastline and over 3000km of navigable inland water channels with great potential for inland cargo and passenger transportation. However, he expressed his concerns regarding the repeated instances of insecurity, illegalities, and threats, including illegal fishing activities, piracy, sea robbery, crude oil theft, and pipeline vandalism, affecting these water channels.
Ambaiowei stated that the Inland Waterways span 23 states in the country. He recalled the unfortunate tragic boat mishap at Okoroma Community along Brass waterways in Bayelsa State on the 6th of April 2023.
According to the Lawmaker, the causes of most of the boat mishaps in Nigeria include alcohol consumption, excessive speed, failure to vent, improper lookouts, inadequate on-board navigation lights, navigation rules violation, operator’s inexperience and inattention, illiteracy, and nonchalant attitudes of boat operators. He regretted that several people have lost their lives due to these mishaps.
Ambaiowei recounted recent incidents such as the boat mishaps along Otuan and Anyama River in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, where a female youth Corp member and five others lost their lives. In Kwara State, a boat with 250 people traveling for a wedding event capsized, and about 144 victims were rescued. Also, 10 students of Victory International Secondary School drowned in a river in Kaduna, and only two were rescued. In Niger State, a boat carrying more than 160 people capsized, and in Birrnin Kebbi, 97 bodies were recovered as a result of a boat mishap.
He further stated that a boat carrying 14 medical students to Medical School Calabar for the 2023 Nigerian Medical Association Health Week capsized, resulting in the loss of three lives. Ambaiowei appreciated the efforts of patriotic Nigerians, particularly the Nigerian Navy Divers, for their prompt intervention in saving lives during these mishaps.
The House of Representatives acknowledged the prevalence of boats and watercraft mishaps along coastal lines and waterways in the country. Thus, the House adopted the motion initiated by Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei at the plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu. The House urged the National Orientation Agency and National Meteorological Agency to commence comprehensive awareness campaigns on safety measures necessary to prevent boat and watercraft hazards.
Additionally, the House mandated the Committee on NIMASA (when constituted) to visit the Netherlands to learn how the country operates its Boats and watercrafts in its coastlines and waterway transportation system with minimal casualties. The House particularly called on both agencies to develop strategic regulatory guidelines, ensure compliance and enhance rescue measures to ensure adequate security of lives and property.
