The President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria ( FTAN),
Mr Nkereuweum Onung has called for mandatory enforcement of the use of life jackets on nation’s waterways.

Speaking during a stakeholders Paley by the organised boat operators stakeholders, Nigeria Association of Tour Operators, NATOP, on the safety of the maritime tourism in Nigeria held at the Macopolo/ Kingfisher Restaurant in Lekki Lagos, the President Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr Nkereuweum Onung who is on a fact finding mission on maritime tourism ecosystem and the challenges facing boat operators in Lagos stated that it is time for the government, operators to take the sector more seriously.

Onung advised the boat operators to always adhere to safety regulations and stop operating after the government restricted time of 6 O’clock because of safety of the passengers.

FTAN President urged the operators to ensure that the maritime tourism they are trying to promote is safe.

Onung lauded the operators for their resilience despite the numerous challenges they are facing .

He pointed out that recent cases of boat accidents and incidents in Niger State and Lagos called for concern of the stakeholders to examine what is happening in the sector in order to promote safety measures.

While sympathising with families that lost their loved ones in the recent accidents, Onung said if government has role to play in promoting safety of water transportation, they should be made aware of their roles so that they can start playing it well .

He listed the challenges the operators are facing in their business like the issue of water hyacinth and debris on the waterways.

FTAN President commended the government for their support so far through the provision of life jackets and other things for safe operations.

He said water transportation can be safer if the government and boat operators can play by the rules.

Onung applauded the Lagos State government for her role in promoting safety on the waterways, through the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).

While stressing that enforcement of safety standards are key, FTAN President said when safety procedures are neglected there is bound to be problem.

Emphasising the importance of Maritime Tourism, Onung narrated his amazing experience on the waterways on his recent trip from Lagos to Port Novo.

He emphasised the need to make the country’s waterways safer so that tourists from Cotonou can come in and enjoy the nation’s leisure and hospitality since their currency is now stronger than that of Nigeria.

Speaking also, the National President of
the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria, ATBOWATAN, Mr Ganiyu Tarzan Balogun called for the equipping and better funding of the Maritime Police.

Balogun said the Maritime Police should be adequately funded and equipped to safeguard the waterways.

He expressed sadness on recent boat accidents in the country , adding that the Niger boat accident is caused by overloading as the boat ran into an object in the water causing it to capsize .

He urged the boat operators to stop operations by 6 O’clock as the waterways lack equipment for night operations like lighting.

Tarzan pointed out that boat passengers have the right to ask for life jackets which is compulsory for every trip.

ATBOWATAN President stated further that some passengers are very stubborn by rejecting to use life jackets.

He stressed the need for collaboration with the government to ensure a safe water transportation in the country.

Tarzan said Nigeria waterways is always a beehive of activities especially the Takwa Bay axis.

In her remarks, the President of NATOP, Alhaja Bolaji Mustapha called for the introduction of safety tips while passengers are onboard the boat as it is done in the aviation industry.

She said when tourists arrive Nigeria, they are sometimes taken on boat tours around Lagos, stressing that NATOP need to be assured that the passengers are safe on nation’s waterways.

Speaking also, the Lagos State chairman of ATBOWATAN, Mr Lawal Babatunde expressed sadness on the recent boat mishap in Lagos.

He disclosed that contrary to media reports, only two passengers, a male and female lost their lives in the accident.

Mr Lawal said the boat left Ebute Ero to Port Novo, before the accident happened.

He stated that though the passengers were all wearing lifejackets, the accident is bigger than what lifejackets can remedy.

Lawal added that the two bodies has been handed over to the Maritime Police.

Speaking also, the President of Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria, WABOTAN, Mr Tope Fajemirokun said the body is trying to change the narrative in the sector by introducing training of the boat operators.

Fajemirokun said in 2023, the operators made about 144 trips from Lagos to Porto Novo , adding that it has so far declined in 2024 with about 64 trips so far made.