“Reckless Stacking of Container Barges Jeopardises Safety on Inland Waterways” – NIWA

By Ramadan AbusiOdumare

The Management of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has raised concerns over the growing practice of overloading barges with shipping containers, warning that the trend is jeopardising safety and poses significant danger to operators and other users of nation’s inland waterways.

Speaking at the SCAN Dockworkers’ Day 2026 organised by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) in Lagos, themed:, “Green Ports: Sustainable Practices for Dockworkers,” the Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Sarat Braimah, said excessive loading of barges is creating dangerous navigation challenges and increasing the likelihood of accidents on the nation’s waterways.

Braimah who was represented by the Assistant Manager, Marine Operations, Kelvin Abba, Braimah explained that some operators overload barges in a bid to maximise profits, often stacking containers beyond safe limits and obstructing the visibility of tugboat captains.

According to her, “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.

“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 noted that the practice not only endangers the vessels involved but also threatens other waterway users, including passenger boats and commercial operators navigating the same routes.

To address the challenge, Braimah disclosed that NIWA has intensified monitoring and enforcement activities at loading points to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations governing barge operations.

She said the agency is ensuring that container stacks comply with approved height limits and do not obstruct visibility from the vessel’s 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 amongst many others,” she stated.

Beyond concerns over barge overloading, the NIWA official also highlighted the dangers posed by improper use of safety equipment and indiscriminate waste disposal on inland waterways, stressing that these issues continue to undermine safe and sustainable maritime operations.

She urged maritime workers and operators to adhere strictly to established safety procedures, emphasizing that accident prevention depends on responsible operational practices across the sector.

According to her, “safety on the water relies on a chain of smart choices. Securing the load properly, wearing the right vest for the task, and keeping trash out of the water ensures everyone makes it back to the jetty safely.”

Braimah further described marine litter and improper waste disposal as persistent threats to inland water transport and the environment, calling for greater stakeholder collaboration to address the problem.

She reaffirmed NIWA’s commitment to promoting safer navigation, environmental sustainability and improved operational standards across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

“NIWA remains fully committed to supporting sustainable maritime practices, enhancing safety across our waterways, and collaborating with all industry partners to build a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous maritime sector for Nigeria,” she said.