NIWA cautions Lagos waterway operators against overloading barges

By Cynthia Alo

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has cautioned cargo barge operators against the hazardous practice of exceeding approved container limits. The authority warned that overloading threatens safety on Lagos inland waterways.

During the 2026 Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria’s (SCAN) Dockworkers’ Day in Lagos, NIWA Lagos Area Manager Engr. Sarat Braimah highlighted the risks posed by overloaded barges to tugboats and other vessels.

She emphasized that maritime safety is non‑negotiable, noting that a single poor decision can damage cargo, endanger lives, and harm the environment.

“To maximize profit per trip, operators frequently overload barges with shipping containers. When these heavy containers are stacked too high or poorly arranged, they create a massive blind spot that completely blocks the tugboat captain’s forward visibility,” Braimah said.

“Operating a vessel without a clear line of sight is incredibly dangerous. It makes it nearly impossible for a captain to spot oncoming traffic, sandbanks, or smaller passenger boats in time to avoid a collision,” she added.

Represented by Assistant Manager, Marine Operations Engr. Kelvin Abba, Braimah said NIWA has intensified monitoring and enforcement at loading docks to ensure container stacks comply with legal height limits and maintain clear visibility from the wheelhouse.

“NIWA has been actively addressing critical safety gaps across Nigeria’s inland waterways. The most urgent concerns focus on improper barge loading, misapplied safety gear, and the severe hazards of marine litter among many others,” she stated.

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