NEMA cites ageing wood, overloading, submerged trees behind Nigeria boat mishaps

NEMA's Director of Disaster Risk Reduction Dr Ishaya Isah Chonoko said on Friday (August 14, 2026) that ageing wooden boats, overloading, and submerged trees are the main factors behind frequent boat accidents and capsizing on Nigerian waterways. He explained that prolonged exposure to water and sun rots the wood, making vessels weak and prone to breaking apart while carrying passengers.

Chonoko noted that boat operators often overload their crafts with passengers and goods to boost revenue, despite the boats' age, which reduces stability and raises capsizing risk. He also pointed out that rising water levels have submerged trees in many waterways, creating hidden hazards that operators may not see until impact, causing boats to split and capsize.

Based on NEMA's rescue assessments, most accidents stem from aged boats breaking apart; overloading and hidden obstacles compound the danger. The agency urges boat owners, operators, and passengers to exercise greater caution, ensure vessels are seaworthy, avoid overloading, and report submerged obstacles to improve safety on Nigeria's inland waterways.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/15/boat-mishaps-nema-blames-ageing-wood-overloading/