December 30th Boat Mishap Rekindles Concerns Over Lax Safety Culture

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) have reiterated enforcement of the ban on nighttime sailing following yet another tragic boat accident along the Igbologun water channel in Lagos.

The incident, which occurred at about 8:35 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, involved a Savvy Marine passenger boat en route from Ilashe Beach House when it ran into trouble near the Nigerdock axis. Upon receiving a distress alert, LASWA and NIWA immediately activated their Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, working in close coordination with the Marine Police and other emergency responders.

As of the latest update, four passengers were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, while six others were sadly recovered dead at the scene. According to NIWA and LASWA, search and rescue efforts are still ongoing to account for all passengers on board.

Preliminary investigations suggest the boat may have collided with a submerged object, though authorities stress that a full investigation is underway. However, the incident has once again raised questions about the recurring tragedies on the nation’s waterways and whether a lax enforcement environment is enabling unsafe practices.

Despite repeated assurances from NIWA and LASWA about strict compliance with safety regulations, including the prohibition of night travel, proper navigation practices, and adherence to operational guidelines, observers note that enforcement often appears reactive rather than preventive. This is reinforced by the absence of clear information on arrests or prosecutions of offenders, which further fuels public skepticism about accountability.

Stakeholders argue that without visible deterrents such as consistent prosecution of violators, the waterways remain vulnerable to negligence and poor safety culture. The tragic loss of lives underscores the urgent need for not just regulations on paper, but robust enforcement mechanisms that instill discipline among operators and restore public confidence in water transportation.

LASWA and NIWA expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured that investigation findings will be made public. A press statement signed by LASWA’s Head of Public Affairs, Wuraola Alake, and Omowunmi Yussuff, Corporate Affairs Unit, NIWA Lagos, urged members of the public o remain calm and rely solely on verified updates from official sources as rescue operations continue.