The Nationwide Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) says plans are underway to recruit and deploy roughly 800 water marshals nationwide by December.
The recruitment, in line with the Managing Director of NIWA, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, is a part of efforts to strengthen security and regulation on Nigeria’s waterways.
Oyebamiji, whereas addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, mentioned the transfer was aimed toward curbing the incessant boat mishaps, imposing the usage of life jackets, and monitoring unauthorized loading factors.
In response to him, a part of the duties of the water marshals is to sensitise passengers and operators on protected navigation practices.
“The Federal Authorities is doing a beautiful job on water security. Now we have all of the devices to boost security.
“We at present have between 350 and 450 water marshals, and the purpose is to extend the variety of marshals to make sure that authorised jetties throughout the nation have multiple marshal to implement security guidelines.
“All of the tools and the navigational aids we’d like are offered, and we plan to have extra police and extra marshals to watch our waterways as a result of there should not sufficient.
“We’re working to extend the quantity earlier than the tip of the 12 months to 800 if we’ve the chance to finance it,” he mentioned.
Oyebamiji acknowledged that there have been roughly 4 to 5 monitoring groups, together with process forces, deployed throughout all waterways, significantly in riverine areas, to enrich the efforts of the water marshals.
He urged boat customers to stick to security guidelines and directions given by water marshals earlier than takeoff for their very own security and profit.
In response to him, boat customers should discard water safety superstitious beliefs and cling to scientifically offered security and safety guidelines, particularly the usage of life jackets, which enhance probabilities of survival in circumstances of mishaps.”
He known as on the Nationwide Meeting to expedite the passage of the Coastal Guard Invoice for maritime security.
Oyebamiji additionally emphasised the significance of collaboration with riverine state governments to enhance water security.
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