Rivercraft accidents and safety in the Eastern Niger Delta region of Nigeria

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Periodical article

Title:	Rivercraft accidents and safety in the Eastern Niger Delta region of Nigeria
Author:	Akpoghomeh, O.S.
Year:	2000
Periodical:	The Nigerian Geographical Journal
Volume:	3-4
Pages:	132-147
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	transport policy inland water transport accidents
Abstract:	This paper examines the incidence of rivercraft accidents in the Eastern Niger Delta in Nigeria with a view to providing a national basis for safer river transportation and planning in general. The study looks at the network structure of rivercraft transportation in the study area, and the spatial and temporal aspects of rivercraft accidents. Data were collected for the period 1983-1989 and 1992-1996. Wave actions, usually in combination with overloading and speeding, and collision were responsible for over 54 percent of all rivercraft accidents in the area. There is a need for effective government policy regulating inland waterway transport and appropriate law enforcement agents. Furthermore, waterways should meet the requirements normally set for a waterway, and boat owners and operators should be continuously trained and educated. Bibliogr.