NIWA Alerts on Risks of Overloaded Barges in Waterways

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has warned against using overloaded barges on Nigeria's inland waterways. The authority said that this practice can seriously endanger safety and harm the environment.

In a statement, NIWA's Managing Director, George Moghalu, said that overloaded barges can cause accidents, capsizing, and other dangerous situations that put the lives of crew members and passengers at risk. He urged operators to stick to weight limits and safety rules to ensure safe transport of goods and people on the waterways.

Moghalu pointed out that the authority is serious about enforcing safety standards and will not hesitate to punish operators who break these rules. He called for cooperation among everyone in the maritime sector to promote safe practices and improve the overall safety of inland water transport.

This warning comes as the government is still investing in developing the inland waterways to enhance trade and transport in the country. NIWA is working to upgrade infrastructure and services on the waterways, but keeping safety as a priority remains crucial.