LASWA urges association to resolve waterways challenges

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has urged the newly floated Waterfronts Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN) to resolve the challenges confronting the Lagos waterways.

The General Manager of LASWA, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, gave the advice in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

Emmanuel had received the National President of WABOTAN, Mr Babatope Fajemirokun, the National Secretary, Kafo Lateef, the Spokesman, Chief Raymond Gold, and other members who paid him a visit.

He commended them for their role in promoting safety and security on the waterways, training operators and creating a database for various government agencies.

He also commended the leadership for its foresight, adding that LASWA would always monitor them to ensure they did not derail from carrying out their roles.

“A lot of associations have been coming to us at the National Inland Waterways Authority, but all they are about is money, it has been a deciding factor.

“We have already set a benchmark for you, between now and December, we will have a review of these objectives.

“As an authority, we will be watching to see that you are operating within the premise of what you promised to do; our primary objective is to see how you can fulfill these objectives.

“The issues itemised are the major problems currently bedeviling the waterways, so if you can come solve it, trust me, it will be an ‘A’ star for your association,” Emmanuel said.

Earlier, Fajemirokun said WABOTAN was incorporated under the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 as amended and fully registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

He said the association had existed in the past five years but decided to play the back role.

“Part of our aims and objectives is promoting safety and security on our waterways.

“It is also training and re-training of our members to develop and build manpower for the water transport sector.

“We also create a database that can assist in implementation of the plans.

“We assist various government agencies in collecting government revenue in a seamless manner; we empower members to build wealth and reduce poverty,” he said.

Fajemirokun said WABOTAN had its membership spread across the littoral states of the country, adding that Lagos alone could boast of 250 registered members.

The national president dismissed thoughts of conflicts between WABOTAN and other sister associations who had been in existence, saying the association would only complement their successes.

“Ninety-five per cent of WABOTAN members are new members and not existing members of any of the sister associations, and we shall be partnering with sister associations, including the Maritime Workers Union (MWUN),” he said.

Speaking, the National Publicity Secretary of WABOTAN, Gold, said the association would develop viable water transportation and a sustainable alternative to the challenges faced on the roads.

“Our association had actually been around for some years, but this time around we felt we should regularise it, so we got incorporated.

“We have been active participants in the water transport sector.

“We are now seeking partnership with relevant government departments, ministries and agencies,” Gold said.