Boat drivers just got a crash course so they stop crashing. The National Inland Waterways Authority, together with the Lufredha Maritime Academy, finished a three-day safety workshop for operators. The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy funded the training held at the NIWA premises in Warri. Attendees came from Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States. The first two days covered theory, while the last day involved practical drills like firefighting, sea trials, and rope tying. Participants who passed got official certificates.
The Managing Director of the academy, Engineer Rosemary Tonlagha, said retraining operators is the main fix for reducing accidents on waterways. She thanked the Ministry and NIWA for sponsoring the program, calling it essential for saving lives. She explained the goal is to equip drivers with enough knowledge to bring mishaps down to zero. Tonlagha noted that enforcement and monitoring will follow the training, with licenses issued to qualified individuals. The NIWA Area Manager in Warri, Engineer Rufus Oladimeji, also commended the federal authorities for supporting the annual event. Participating boat operators from various states expressed satisfaction with the program and pledged to apply their new skills.
The Managing Director of the academy, Engineer Rosemary Tonlagha, said retraining operators is the main fix for reducing accidents on waterways. She thanked the Ministry and NIWA for sponsoring the program, calling it essential for saving lives. She explained the goal is to equip drivers with enough knowledge to bring mishaps down to zero. Tonlagha noted that enforcement and monitoring will follow the training, with licenses issued to qualified individuals. The NIWA Area Manager in Warri, Engineer Rufus Oladimeji, also commended the federal authorities for supporting the annual event. Participating boat operators from various states expressed satisfaction with the program and pledged to apply their new skills.
