The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on federal, state, and local governments to criminalize boarding boats without life jackets, citing the need to reduce the rising number of boat accidents across the country.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Islamic organisation also urged authorities to invest in modern, safe ferries and to establish coast guards and waterways services in all 774 local government areas.
MURIC Executive Director, Professor Isiaq Akintola, lamented the high rate of boat accidents, noting that many Nigerians have lost their lives this year due to unsafe water transport.
“One of the measures to reduce these accidents is to criminalize boarding boats without life jackets,” Akintola said.
He added, “These accidents are largely caused by private commercial boat operators using rickety, old vessels. Federal, state, and local governments should invest in modern ferry transportation as seen in Lagos State.
“Boarding boats without life jackets or operating commercial boats without providing them should be criminalized. Additionally, all 774 local governments should train personnel for coast guard and waterways services.”