Nigeria’s inland waterways are vital corridors for commerce and daily travel—especially across riverine communities where roads are sparse or seasonally impassable. Yet, recurring boat mishaps continue to claim lives and livelihoods. Under the leadership of Director General Zubaida Umar, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has intensified both response and prevention efforts, combining faster search-and-rescue (SAR), grassroots sensitisation, and stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and other stakeholders. Central to this agenda is a simple, non-negotiable safety measure: wearing life vests on every water journey.
The Persistent Challenge
Boat incidents on Nigeria’s rivers and creeks are often linked to overloading, night travel, poor vessel maintenance, weak enforcement of safety rules, untrained operators, inadequate passenger awareness, and the limited use of life jackets. Seasonal factors—especially heavy rains and sudden surges in water levels—add to the danger. Reducing these tragedies requires both swift emergency response and sustained preventive action.
Faster and Smarter Search and Rescue
Under DG Zubaida Umar, NEMA has strengthened its search-and-rescue capacity. Once a mishap is reported, the Agency activates its incident command system and deploys trained teams, divers, and boats in coordination with local responders. During high-risk periods such as the rainy season, assets are pre-positioned in strategic riverine hubs to ensure faster intervention. NEMA has also invested in regular training exercises with NIWA, Marine Police, and the Navy, while equipping community volunteers with basic rescue and first aid skills so that help is available immediately at the grassroots.
Collaboration and Sensitisation
NEMA recognises that safety on waterways cannot be achieved by enforcement alone. Working with NIWA and state governments, the Agency has embarked on community sensitisation campaigns at riverbanks, jetties, and markets, teaching passengers and operators about safe loading, proper boarding, and emergency communication. Boat operators are also trained on engine maintenance, weather checks, and keeping passenger manifests to improve accountability. By linking these awareness campaigns with NIWA’s regulatory authority, NEMA ensures that safety knowledge is backed by real oversight.
Promoting the Use of Life Vests
At the heart of prevention is the promotion of life vest usage. NEMA, in collaboration with NIWA and partners, has facilitated the provision and distribution of certified vests to boat operators across busy jetties. Sensitisation drives stress not just the availability but also the proper fitting and routine use of vests. Field officers lead by example, making vest-wearing a normal part of boarding. The Agency’s goal is to build a culture where passengers themselves demand life vests before embarking, making it as natural as fastening a seatbelt.
Enforcing Compliance
While sensitisation creates awareness, enforcement ensures compliance. NEMA and NIWA advocate for a strict “no vest, no boarding” rule at departure points. Licensing of boat operators and jetty permits are increasingly tied to adherence with safety standards, including passenger capacity limits and prohibition of night travel without proper lighting. Passengers are also encouraged to report unsafe practices through hotlines and local task forces, giving communities a voice in enforcement. These visible measures not only save lives but also send a strong message that safety is non-negotiable on Nigeria’s waterways.
Shared Responsibility
NEMA’s approach under DG Zubaida Umar balances rapid emergency response with long-term prevention. Search-and-rescue capabilities are sharper, partnerships with NIWA and Marine Police are stronger, and public sensitisation is more widespread. Yet, the ultimate responsibility is shared. Operators must follow safety guidelines, regulators must enforce rules consistently, and passengers must refuse unsafe trips. With this collective commitment—and the universal adoption of life vests—Nigeria can turn its waterways into safer and more reliable routes that connect communities without needless loss of life.
