From Lagos
The Lagos State Government has urged boat operators to avoid taking alcohol, while on duty, to check increasing rate of boat mishaps in the state.
The Commissioner of Transportation, Dr Dr. Frederic Oladeinde. gave the advice at the 3rd Annual Stakeholders Forum, organised in collaboration with the Badagry Chamber of Commerce in Lagos on Sunday.
The Theme of the forum is: “Stakeholders Engagement on Operational Guidelines for Boat Operators.”
Oladeide, who was represented by Consultant on marine Affairs, Mr Gbenga Omotoso said not all the boat mishap was attributed to engine failure, adding that constant intake of alcohol by the operators also caused accidents on water.
“Avoid taking alcohol on water, if you are intoxicated, you may endanger the lives of passengers as well as yourself.
“The Lagos State Government has put various policies in place in ensuring safety of lives on sea,” the commissioner said.
In an opening remark, The Managing Director, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said that despite the ravaging effects of the COVIDV-19 pandemic, the use of water transport in the state recorded tremendous transformation, especially in ridership figures.
The LASWA boss said with over two million riders monthly, the state waterways was able to withstand significant pressure shifted from the road traffic, adding that the potential is endless.
Emmanuel,who said the safety of all waterways users in the state was one of the cardinal objectives of LASWA, promised the organization would not shy away from that primary responsibility.
He said engaging stakeholders in the water transport sector was to deliberate on issues bothering on safety guidelines and improvement on water transport operations, specifically on the Ọjọ-Badagry Axis of the state.
He said: “We are all saddened and worried by the unfortunate incidents of boat mishaps recorded on this axis, especially in recent past. We pray to the Almighty to grant the families of departed souls, the fortitude to bear the loss.
“To forestall reoccurrence of such regrettable incidences, today, we are issuing out new Operational Guidelines for Ferry Operations in the state while restricting the usage of jetties across the entire Badagry axis.
“LASWA has also donated 500 Life Jackets of different sizes that will be distributed to all boat users and participants here at the forum.
“We have also commenced a massive safety awareness campaign across all jetties and terminals in order to educate and sensitize ferry passengers and Boat Operators on safety procedures to ensure we record near-zero accident.
He added that LASWA would not rest on its oars untill it achieved a clean, safe and prosperous Waterways in Lagos.
Contributing,His Royal Majesty, Oba Akran of Badagry, Aholu-Menu Toyi 1, urged the state government to ensure provision of at least, twice enlightenment programmers for boat operators to enhance water transportation in Badagry.
Toyi, who was represented by Baale of Topo, Chief Michael Avose, commended the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce, Badagry Chapter, for facilitating the enlightenment programme and advised boat operators to avoid taking alcohol, when on boat.
In his goodwill message, Secretary, Lagos State, Private Boat Operators, Mr Owolabi Omotayo, commended the state government,through LASWA, for its prompt rescue during the last boat mishap in Badagry.
Omotayo said that the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUA), had been working with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in ensuring that boat operators were trained and certified to operate boats.
Lt. Commodore Dan Nehemiah, Base Operator Officer Badagry, pleaded, however, with LASWA management to monitor the boat operators in order to regulate indiscriminate erection of jetty.
Nehemiah alleged that the base usually engage in late-night operations but noted that, that had been relaxed with the COVID-19 guidelines.
The President, Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) Fatai Shokunbi, appealed to LASWA to ensure Badagry is not left behind on development drive in the state.
