=The National Inland Waterways Authority on Tuesday warned boat operators in the country to adhere to safety rules or face stiff sanctions.
Its Managing Director, George Moghalu, gave the warning in Lokoja, Kogi State while reacting to the recent boat mishaps in Lagos and Benue States in which many people lost their lives.
Moghalu’s reaction was contained in a statement where he expressed sadness over the incidents, saying the mishaps were avoidable,
The statement, signed by the NIWA’s Acting General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Jibril Dardau, blamed the mishaps on violation of inland waterways transportation safety guidelines.
Moghalu commiserated with the families, people and government of the affected states, praying that God will give them the fortitude to bear the misfortune.
According to him, the ongoing reform of inland waterways transportation system in the country will be pursued to a logical conclusion to achieve accident-free operations on waterways.
