LAGOS – The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on Monday said that adequate sensitisation of passengers and enforcement of safety standards would curb cases of boat mishap in the country.
This is contained in a statement in Lagos by the Deputy Director and Head, Public Relations of NIMASA, Mr Isichie Osamgbi.
The statement said the Director-General of NIMASA, Mr Patrick Akpobolokemi, made the assertion at the flag off of Safety Awareness Campaigns for operators of boats and other mechanically-propelled water crafts.
“NIMASA is committed to the safety of lives and property on the nation’s waterways and as such, will continue to intensify safety awareness campaigns in states where water transportation is in high use.
“The agency is also concerned about the increasing number of boat accidents which have claimed many lives and property.
“Information-sharing with stakeholders has the potential to significantly reduce accidents,’’ the statement quoted the director-general as saying.
It said NIMASA as a maritime administrator was committed to the enhancement of safety of marine transport.
The statement said it had become important to educate boat operators and enlighten passengers utilising water transport on the safety procedures to be adopted at all times.
It urged boat operators to adhere strictly to safety standards in all their operations to stop deaths occasioned by boat accidents on the waterways.
The statement said the Safety Awareness Campaigns which were in phases had been conducted in Lagos, Cross River and Anambra.
It added that the campaigns in states like Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta and Kogi would commence this week.
NAN reports that NIMASA is the custodian of all International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) conventions and has the responsibility of ensuring the safety of lives at sea and of all crafts in Nigerian waters.
NAN reports that this function falls under the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS 1974). (NAN)
