The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has ordered an immediate stop to boat operations at unauthorized locations nationwide, aiming to enhance safety and curb accidents on Nigeria’s waterways.

NIWA Managing Director Bola Oyebamiji announced the directive during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.

“NIWA has imposed an immediate ban on loading from all unauthorized points across the country. Commercial passenger boats are only permitted to operate from recognized and registered loading points. It is compulsory for all operators to provide lifejackets and ensure their use at all times. Every commercial passenger boat must also clearly display its Boat Name Letters and Load Line,” Oyebamiji said.

He added that “all unlicensed boats and watercraft must be removed from the waterways” and confirmed that “unlicensed boat drivers and operators are prohibited from operating any boats or watercraft on the waterways.”

The move follows a series of deadly incidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways. In August, over 40 people went missing after a boat accident in Sokoto, while roughly a year earlier, at least 16 farmers died when a wooden canoe capsized while transporting them to rice fields. Experts have consistently cited poor regulation and safety rule violations as major causes of these recurring accidents.