Maritime tourism stakeholders have raised concerns about the increasing number of boat accidents in Nigeria’s waterways, warning that it could damage the country’s reputation and deter visitors from engaging in water-based activities.
During a meeting of boat operators and stakeholders organized by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) in Lagos, stakeholders lamented the lack of adequate infrastructure, such as navigation markers, and the weak enforcement of existing regulations.
The President of FTAN, Mr Nkereweum Onung, urged the Federal and State Governments, as well as water transport operators, to prioritize safety and infrastructure development in the maritime tourism sector. He shared a personal experience of a two-hour boat ride from CMS in Lagos to Benin Republic, highlighting the absence of proper navigation lights and the challenges posed by water hyacinths.
Onung emphasized the importance of equipping all boats with good life jackets and strictly enforcing safety rules, especially regarding overloading and navigation markers. He underscored the potential of Nigeria’s waterways for tourism and economic growth, noting that accidents could undermine progress.
The National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria, Tarzan Balogun, called for stricter safety regulations and enforcement to prevent further tragedies on the country’s waterways. He emphasized that tourists depended on boat operators for safe transport and that operators could not afford to risk lives due to preventable incidents.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure, Balogun stressed the need for more visible navigation signs to prevent accidents. He emphasized that as Nigeria aims to expand its tourism sector, water transportation is crucial in attracting visitors to explore the country’s scenic waterways.
