The National Inland Waterways Authority has stated that compliance to waterways safety measures during the festive season is non-negotiable.

This was contained in a statement on Tuesday by NIWA obtained by The PUNCH.

According to the statement, the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIWA, Umar  Girei, gave the warning during an exclusive interview with journalists at the NIWA headquarters in Lokoja.

Girei also warned boat operators across the country to strictly adhere to waterways safety regulations during the Eid al-Kabir celebrations.

He noted that festive periods often witness increased movement on the inland waterways, particularly within riverine communities.

According to him, “Compliance with safety measures during the Sallah season remains non-negotiable.”

The NIWA acting MD stressed that overloading of boats would not be tolerated, while the use of life jackets by all passengers and operators remains compulsory.

He also warned against night travel, alcohol consumption by operators, and disregard for weather advisories.

“No overloading, wearing of life jackets is mandatory, no night travel, no alcohol, and operators must ensure proper weather checks before embarking on any journey,” he stated.

He further announced that enforcement teams, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, will be deployed across jetties nationwide to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations.

He warned that violators risk arrest, seizure of vessels, and prosecution.

Girei also urged passengers to avoid boarding overloaded boats, vessels without adequate life jackets, or boats attempting to operate at night.

While extending Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslim faithful, he appealed to community and religious leaders to help amplify waterways safety awareness during sermons and public gatherings.

The NIWA boss advised stakeholders and clients of the agency not to panic over the recent Supreme Court judgement concerning aspects of the NIWA Act.

He explained that the apex court upheld the agency’s statutory responsibilities relating to inland waterways navigation, safety regulation, channel management, river infrastructure development, and the promotion of inland waterways transportation as contained in Sections 10 and 11 of the NIWA Act.

According to him, Sections 12 and 13 of the Act, which deal with land matters unrelated to maritime activities, were voided by the Supreme Court only to the extent of their inconsistency with the Constitution.

Girei therefore urged all stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding and await an official statement from NIWA after the Authority obtained the Certified True Copy of the judgement from the Supreme Court.