No More Night Trips As Lagos State Bans Boat Operation Beyond 7 PM To Prevent Accidents

The Lagos State Government has stated that the law prohibiting boat operators from operating beyond 7.00 pm every day still remains in force.

A joint statement issued by the Director-General of Lagos Safety Commission (LSC), Mr Lanre Mojola and the General Manager of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr Damilola Emmanuel, said operators must comply with the waterways safety code to prevent avoidable boat accidents that could lead to loss of lives.

It read partly, “In line with the waterways’ safety code developed by all waterway’s regulators and stakeholders, boat transport, activities are to take place between 5:30 am and 7.00 pm every day. It is an offence for boat operators and passengers to be seen on inland waterways outside of these hours.

“Therefore, all waterways’ users are advised to strictly observe this time restriction in order to avoid boat mishaps. On no condition should anyone get on board a vessel after or before the stipulated operational hours likewise no passenger or operator can board a vessel without wearing a life vest with a standard buoyancy factor.

“This is very important because, in event of an accident, the user will be able to stay afloat for a few minutes before emergency responders arrive. In addition to using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, boat operators are mandated to have onboard safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, first aid boxes, pool float (life buoys), and so on.”