The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of the manager of a ferry that capsized in Lagos State.
The Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Mrs. Sarat Braimah, who disclosed this in a statement in Lagos, said the manager was arrested for alleged negligence and failure to comply with safety regulations.
She said the agency would carry out a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
At least two passengers are still missing and five were rescued with injuries when two boats collided on Monday.
Braimah said: “The arrest is aimed at ensuring accountability and setting a precedence for strict adherence to waterways regulations to prevent future occurrences.
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“Further legal actions are underway as investigations continue.”
She said the ferry manager must produce the captain of the boat.
“It had been established that the fiber boat veered off its channel and collided with a wooden boat due to the obstructed vision of the captain.
“The obstruction was largely due to loads on the fiber boat.
“The boat owned by Only God Ferry failed to adhere to operational safety standards and proper navigation procedures,” the NIWA official stated.
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