Publisher, The Evangelist news
The Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, has called on boat users in Akwa Ibom State to strictly adhere to approved safety guidelines to ensure safer inland waterway transportation.
Speaking at a sensitization workshop in Oron, the academy’s acting rector, Kevin Okonna, emphasized that safety remains paramount in maritime operations. He noted that the workshop aligns with the federal government’s commitment to protecting lives along the nation’s inland waterways, as directed by President Bola Tinubu.
“The academy organized this workshop to reinforce the importance of safety and compliance with National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) regulations,” Okonna stated.
Dakio Horsfall, the General Manager of NIWA, also underscored the critical role of safety in waterway transportation. Delivering a lecture titled “Safety of Nigerian Inland Waterways: The Responsibility of Boat Users,” Horsfall urged boat operators to take their responsibility seriously.
“Boat drivers must adhere to designated routes, comply with approved speed limits, and avoid overloading to minimize risks,” he advised.
He further assured that NIWA would continue regulating the sector by ensuring that only trained and certified boat operators are allowed to ply the waterways.
