Boat operators under the aegis of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters (ATBOWATON), have decried the continues importation of boats into the country, as they reason that the cost of transporting a single boat into Nigeria from abroad is equivalent to building multiple boats locally.
The National President of ATBOWATON, Tarzan Balogun, said embracing local boat production would stimulate job creation, reduce foreign exchange pressure, and empower skilled workers in various sectors of the economy.
Balogun also warned that many of the imported boats in operation are not suited to Nigeria’s unique marine environment, which is often defined by rocky channels and submerged wrecks.
He said the absence of essential navigation tools, such as depth sounders and GPS, which many local operators cannot afford, further compounds the safety risks.
“Some of those boats sank, not because of poor build quality, but because of negligence, or because the water was too rough. It shows that even foreign-made boats are not immune.
“Why are we importing boats when the cost of transporting just one from abroad can be used to build three or four right here in Nigeria?” he asked.
The ATBOWATON boss called for an urgent shift towards the development of locally built boats, which he said would not only reduce costs but also ensure vessels are adapted to the specific conditions of Nigeria’s inland waterways.
He stressed that local boat building presents an opportunity to grow the economy by creating direct and indirect jobs and boosting the capacity of indigenous marine technicians and craftsmen.
According to him, despite growing interest from foreign investors in countries like South Africa and Australia to invest in the sector, many have been discouraged by Nigeria’s inconsistent policy environment.
He said the absence of regulatory continuity and long-term sector planning has made investment in the water transport system unattractive.
He urged the Federal Government to lead efforts to standardise boat designs and work with local manufacturers to ensure vessels meet required safety and operational standards.
Balogun also commended the ongoing initiatives of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, particularly the renewed focus on water transport development.
He, however, warned that the current momentum could easily be reversed if subsequent administrations fail to maintain policy consistency and support for local content.
