According to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), ignorance and a disregard for safety procedures were the main causes of the boat accident that killed Nollywood actor Junior Pope and seven other people.
This was revealed by the managing director of the organisation, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, at an Onitsha safety awareness program. The victims, according to NIWA, failed to register their boat and didn’t wear life jackets.
Their onboard protests also diverted the operator’s attention, which caused the boat to capsize after it collided with a wooden object. NIWA stressed the significance of following safety regulations, which include registering boats and donning life jackets.
In order to prevent being arrested, sequestered, and prosecuted, the agency advised boat owners and passengers to register their vessels and wear life jackets. Additionally, NIWA disclosed intentions to work with state governments and others to raise awareness of the impending flood in 2024 among the communities residing along the banks of the River Niger.
Among the attendees were community leaders, stakeholders, and boat operators, who were shown the value of wearing life jackets. Reiterating its commitment to maintaining safety on Nigeria’s waterways, NIWA asked all parties involved to follow safety procedures.
