The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), yesterday, distributed free life jackets to boat operators in Lagos State.
In a brief ceremony at the popular Lagos Marina Jetty, the hub of water transportation activities to most Inland littoral destinations in Lagos, the Area Manager, NIWA Lagos, Sarat Lara Braimah, said over 2, 500 life jackets, would be distributed directly to all boat operators in Lagos’ five divisions.
She noted that with increased movement of people and goods expected at yuletide, the NIWA management under the Managing Director, Dr. George Moghalu, thought it expedient to reach out to boat operators in Lagos, who have shown commitment to adhering to rules of engagement on water transportation in the state.
Braimah, who personally participated in the distribution of life jackets to accredited boat operators at the marina jetty, urged beneficiaries to put it to use.
She advised them to discard all worn out and poor standard life jackets with immediate effect.
She explained that the distribution would be carried out in Badagry, Ikorodu, Epe, and Victoria island.
Braimah stressed that the gesture will become a form of support by NIWA management to all boat operators in Nigeria, to ensure total compliance to NIWA operational guidelines on “ no life jacket, no boarding of boats” in the country.
Some operators, such as Lagos ferry, Sea Coach services and Texas connection ferry services expressed happiness with NIWA intervention.
They stated that the gesture will boost confidence of passengers and operators alike, promising that all operators will put the life jackets to use.
