A routine visit to the bustling Kpata market in Lokoja has revealed a troubling reality on Kogi State’s waterways—hundreds of commuters boarding overloaded wooden canoes, often without life jackets, safety regulations, or visible oversight.
By Ali Atabor, Lokoja
Held every five days, Kpata market is a hive of activity, drawing traders and travelers from nearby riverine communities. But as marketgoers wrap up their business and make their way to the waterfront, many unknowingly step into danger. The canoes they board, essential for daily transport and commerce, often defy basic safety protocols.
“I stood by the riverbank watching with unease,” said a concerned observer. “The boats were crammed with passengers and goods, with no sign of regulation or rescue preparedness. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”
This glaring lack of safety is all the more disturbing considering that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the federal body tasked with overseeing water transport safety, is headquartered in Lokoja. Yet its presence on the ground seemed absent.
The recurring tragedies on Nigeria’s inland waterways—often due to capsized boats, overcrowding, and poor maintenance—have claimed countless lives in recent years. This scene in Lokoja raises urgent questions about the effectiveness of NIWA’s enforcement and the accountability of local boat operators.
Observers are now calling on the Boat Operators Union and relevant stakeholders to step up, collaborate, and take proactive measures. The consensus is clear: safety must be non-negotiable.
“If NIWA has failed to act, then it’s time for the union and community leaders to take ownership of passenger welfare,” the observer added. “Lives are at stake.”
As rivers continue to serve as critical lifelines for many communities, the time for reactive mourning must give way to preventive action. From regulatory reform to community education and the provision of life-saving equipment, Kogi’s waterways must no longer be left to chance.
