The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has attributed the tragic boat accident that claimed the life of popular Nollywood actor, Junior Pope, and four others in April 2024 to human error.
NIWA’s Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, made this disclosure on Thursday during a multimodal transportation stakeholders’ forum held in Abuja. He stated clearly that the fatal incident, which occurred on the Anam River in Anambra State, was not caused by any mechanical defect, poor weather, or obstruction in the water.
Instead, Oyebamiji revealed that the passengers failed to follow basic safety rules. According to him, some of them even refused to wear life jackets that were provided before the journey.
“It was not due to a mechanical failure, bad weather, or water obstacles,” Oyebamiji said. “It was purely the result of a blatant disregard for safety regulations and procedures that govern movement on inland waterways.”
He explained that the refusal of life jackets and the general neglect of safety protocols played a key role in the tragic outcome of the boat ride.
How boat accident of Junior Pope happened
The accident, which shocked the nation and the entertainment industry, happened while Junior Pope and his colleagues were returning from a movie shoot. The film, titled Another Side of Life, was being produced by filmmaker Adanma Luke. The boat capsized around the Cable Point axis of the River Niger in Asaba, Delta State.
Oyebamiji said the agency was deeply concerned about how some waterway users continue to ignore basic safety measures, despite repeated warnings and awareness campaigns. He stressed that these avoidable errors not only endanger lives but also undermine NIWA’s ongoing efforts to make water travel safe for everyone.
“This kind of negligence threatens everything we are working toward in terms of safety and compliance,” he added. “We cannot improve the system alone. We need the cooperation of all water users.”
He called on boat operators, passengers, and other stakeholders to take waterway safety more seriously. According to him, wearing life jackets, obeying maritime rules, and using only approved vessels are key to preventing future tragedies.
The stakeholders’ forum also featured key figures in Nigeria’s transportation sector. Present at the event were the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; the Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau; the Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency; and Allen Onyema, Chairman and CEO of Air Peace Limited, among others.
Together, the stakeholders discussed how to build a more efficient, safe, and integrated transport system in Nigeria, one that includes air, land, rail, and water modes. The death of Junior Pope, a well-known and loved actor, added a sombre tone to the gathering, highlighting the urgency of improving safety practices, especially on water routes.
Junior Pope’s death drew widespread mourning across the country. His fans, colleagues, and family members were left heartbroken by the news of the accident. Known for his energetic acting and humble personality, the actor had built a strong following in Nollywood over the years.
His passing has now become a rallying point for advocates of stricter safety enforcement on Nigeria’s waterways.
As the government continues to invest in transport infrastructure, experts agree that education and enforcement must go hand in hand. Without public cooperation and responsible behaviour, officials warn, even the best systems can fail.
NIWA, through its leadership, promised to increase public awareness and take stronger steps to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The agency has urged passengers to always wear life jackets and demanded that boat operators strictly enforce all safety rules.
Oyebamiji concluded by saying, “The loss of lives like that of Junior Pope is a painful reminder that safety must never be taken for granted. It is the duty of every Nigerian who travels by water to take responsibility and do the right thing.”
The tragic incident serves as a wake-up call for both authorities and the public to prioritise safety on all fronts, before another life is needlessly lost.
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