Francis Biobarakuma, the Accord party’s state House of Assembly candidate for Nembe Constituency 3 in the 2023 general elections, has called on the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to enforce existing policies aimed at enhancing the safety of the Niger Delta’s inland waterways.
During an appearance on “HOW YOU SEE AM” on NTA Port Harcourt, Mr. Biobarakuma emphasized the critical need for government action to improve water transportation infrastructure and safety.
“The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is responsible for improving and developing Nigeria’s inland waterways for navigation,” Biobarakuma stated. “We have numerous policies already in place that could address these issues, but there is a total neglect by the Government in implementing them.”
When host Mrs. Ima Jaja inquired about specific measures to improve waterway safety, Biobarakuma highlighted several key actions:
- Ensuring all boat operators are qualified and licensed.
- Providing life jackets for passengers.
- Discouraging the overloading of boats.
He further urged the government to introduce public boats to combat the monopoly in the water transport sector, fostering competition and enhancing service quality.
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In his final remarks, he said, “My advice to all travellers is to learn how to swim. While we advocate for a safer transport system, knowing how to swim can significantly increase your chances of survival in the event of an accident.”
