Boat users have been advised to avoid night travels and over-loading and ensure that they wear live jackets before embarking on any journey.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola blamed boat mishaps and many deaths on waters to over- loading.
This was contained in a statement on Friday by his spokesman, Ismail Omipidan.
Oyetola said all hands must be on deck to put an end to boat accidents, adding that boat users should adhere strictly to the water transportation code.
He also commiserated with the Niger State Government and families of those who died in the recent boat accident on the Gbajibo River in Niger State.
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The statement reads: “I am aware that National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) embarked on an advocacy campaign recently, warning against the rising water tide, night travelling, over-loading, and the use of live jackets, including deploying its water Marshals to help enforce the transportation code”.
The Minister also charged NIWA to enforce the code to the letter to significantly standardize water transportation, minimize accidents, and provide a structured environment for potential investors.
Oyetola urged the State Governments, especially the littoral states to brace up and collaborate with NIWA to put an end to the incessant accidents on the waters.