Lagos waterways face increased risk from excess cargo loads

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has expressed concern over the growing practice of loading barges with cargo beyond approved limits, warning that the trend is creating significant safety risks on Lagos waterways.

The caution was issued during the 2026 Dockworkers’ Day celebration organised by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) in Lagos. Speaking at the event, the Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Engr Sarat Braimah, said excessive container loading on barges increases the likelihood of accidents involving tugboats and other watercraft operating along inland routes.

Braimah stressed that safety standards within the maritime industry must be strictly observed, noting that negligence on the waterways can have consequences far beyond financial losses.

She said: “To maximise 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.

“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 stated.

Represented by NIWA Assistant Manager, Marine Operations, Engr Kelvin Abba, Braimah disclosed that the authority has strengthened oversight at loading points to ensure compliance with approved loading standards. She explained that container stacks must remain within permissible heights to guarantee clear visibility from the wheelhouse.

According to her, the authority is taking proactive measures to address several safety concerns across the nation’s inland waterways, with particular attention on unsafe loading methods, misuse of safety equipment and environmental hazards.

“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.

The authority reiterated its commitment to enforcing safety regulations and promoting responsible operations to reduce accidents and safeguard lives, property and the aquatic environment.