Yakubu Eleto, an indigenous advocate and human rights activist in Lagos, has called on the National Assembly to revisit the Act establishing the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
Eleto emphasizes the need for states to control their inland waterways, citing the ongoing failure of NIWA to effectively regulate boat activities and enforce safety standards, resulting in frequent accidents and loss of lives.
Despite a recent Supreme Court ruling granting NIWA exclusive control, Eleto highlights the authority’s evident incapacity, pointing to recent accidents in January 2024 and the recurring issue of regulatory non-compliance.
The advocate urges the current National Assembly to review the NIWA Act, advocating for shared regulatory authority between the Federal Government and State Governments to enhance safety measures and prevent avoidable deaths.
