By Kenneth Jukpor
In a bid to dissipate the casualties from waterways accidents, the Association of Tourist Boat operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) has resolved to delist members who ignore distress calls from fellow operators during accidents or operational difficulties.
The association made this resolution as the weekend during a meeting where it appointed two special advisers to help deepen the operational efficiency of the body.
Those appointed to help ATBOWATON President, Dr. Ganiyu Tarzan Balogun to recalibrate the foremost private sector boat operators regulatory body are Mr. Tope Fajimirokun and Mr. Joseph Philip
While Fajimirokun, who is also the Badagry chapter chairman of the association, takes up additional responsibility as Special Advisor to ATBOWATON National President on inter government relationship and labour matters, Engineer Joseph Philip will henceforth process all national security issues on waterways, advice and guide the National President.
Noting that both appointments are to take immediate effect, the ATBOWATON President stated that he needed the help of the two new appointees to chart new areas of ATBOWATON’s national operations in order to serve members and to also enthrone democratic engagements expected of a national body like the group.
Balogun also stressed that to curb the alarming breakdown of boat operation ethics, violators of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) save our soul distress call from any boat in trouble, will face serious sanctions, with expulsion from the association as a last punitive measure.
He called on Messers Tope Fajimirokun and Joseph Philip to bring their wealth of experience and passion for the industry to bear on their new assignments, adding that ATBOWATON has come of age and must be seen to add value to the development of the marine environment.
On the rising tide of negative attitude of operators, particularly those in Lagos, ignoring calls from distressed boats, Dr Balogun warned that violators will be profiled, fined at first instance and on last resort, will face outright expulsion with no options of fine from the association.
Meanwhile, the Lagos chapter Chairman, Alhaji Lawal commended the president for the new appointments, saying it will bring more drive and leadership options for the private sector water transportation body in Nigeria.
