NIWA MD, Bola Oyebamiji Pushes for Passage of Coast Guard Bill, Prosecute 2 Boat Operators

By DAPO OLAWUNI

Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Bola Oyebamiji has renewed calls for the passage of the Coast Guard Bill by the National Assembly, saying that this would further help in ensuring proper implementation of the waterways safety code.

Speaking at a sensitization for boat operators and distribution of life jackets in Lagos on Wednesday, Oyebamiji also disclosed that NIWA is currently prosecuting two violator of the waterways safety regulations at the courts.
Recall that The Nigeria Coast Guard Bill has been introduced in the National Assembly.
The bill seeks to establish a dedicated Coast Guard, separate from the Nigerian Navy, to focus on maritime security, anti-piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling

Even though the bill enjoys strong support from maritime stakeholders, the lawmakers and the Nigerian Navy have kicked against it, saying that it would be irrational to consider another agency when the Navy is not adequately funded.

However, speaking on Wednesday, the NIWA MD said “We have water marshals that monitor safety on the waterways and are forced to to sensitize our people.
And for those people, the boat drivers that go out of the port, we have the regulations to arrest them and to prosecute them if they are found to be violating the safety regulations

“As I’m speaking, we have two cases in court and I sincerely hope that we are going to get judgment from the court. However, I think the issue of coast guard is very important.

“The water marshals have limitations, and that is why I want to appeal to the National Assembly, I want to appeal to the federal government that the coast guard is very important, and I wish that that bill will be passed soon”

Continuing, Oyebamiji said “I think waterways safety is something that we all take seriously, especially at the National Inland Waterways Authority, and the Supervisory Ministry is working around the clock to make sure that rate of accidents on the waterway is eradicated”