The acting Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Umar Girei, has warned boat operators across the country to strictly adhere to waterways safety regulations during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Mr Girei gave the warning in an interview with journalists at the NIWA headquarters on Tuesday in Lokoja.

According to him, festive periods usually witness increased movement on inland waterways, particularly in riverine communities, making strict compliance with safety measures imperative.

Mr Girei outlined key safety directives for operators and passengers, including a ban on overloading, compulsory use of life jackets, prohibition of night travel, avoidance of alcohol consumption while operating boats, and the need for regular weather checks before embarking on trips.

“No overloading, wearing of life jackets is mandatory, no night travel, no alcohol consumption, and operators must ensure proper weather checks before any journey,” he said.

He further disclosed that NIWA enforcement teams, in collaboration with security agencies, would be deployed across jetties nationwide to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

According to him, defaulters will face arrest, vessel seizure and possible prosecution.

Mr Girei also advised passengers to avoid boarding overloaded boats, vessels without adequate life jackets, or those attempting night travel.

The NIWA boss extended Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslim faithful and appealed to community and religious leaders to help amplify waterways safety awareness during sermons and community gatherings.

He said collective responsibility was necessary to prevent accidents and ensure safe celebrations nationwide.

 (NAN)