The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a strong plea for the establishment of a dedicated Federal Maritime Safety Commission to address the alarming rise in boat accidents and fatalities across the country.
Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, criticized the government’s failure to implement a sustainable and effective maritime safety framework, akin to the Federal Road Safety Commission, which could mitigate the increasing dangers on Nigeria’s waterways.
In a recent media statement, HURIWA urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to instruct the Minister of the Blue Economy and other maritime agencies to expedite the presentation of an executive bill to the National Assembly.
This bill would create a Federal Maritime Safety Commission tasked with improving safety standards and reducing the tragic loss of life caused by boat accidents.
HURIWA emphasized that the new commission should be staffed efficiently, suggesting a cap of 2,000 personnel, to avoid the pitfalls of overstaffing seen in the Federal Road Safety Commission.
“The Federal Maritime Safety Commission shouldn’t become a haven for political appointments but rather a focused agency aimed at saving lives,” Onwubiko stated.
The call for action comes as Nigeria grapples with a surge in boat accidents, which have resulted in over 300 deaths this year alone.
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Key incidents have highlighted the dangers, including a recent tragedy near Gummi town in Zamfara State, where at least 40 individuals are feared dead after a boat capsized while transporting farmers.
Statistics reveal that the most affected states include Kwara and Anambra, with a series of tragic incidents reported throughout the year.
HURIWA insists that immediate and strategic measures must be taken to prevent further loss of life, urging the government to prioritize the safety of Nigerians navigating the waterways.
As the government begins to respond to these calls for action, HURIWA remains vigilant, advocating for reforms that will ultimately lead to safer maritime operations in Nigeria.