Cross River Boat Collision: PC-NCG Calls For Urgent Review Of Maritime Safety Measures
The Provisional Committee for the Establishment of the Nigerian Coast Guard (PC-NCG) has called for an urgent review of maritime safety measures following a boat collision in Ikang, Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River.
The collision, involving two speedboats, reportedly claimed eight lives, according to reports.
Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, Director of Communication and Public Affairs, PC-NCG, made the call in a statement issued on Saturday on behalf of the committee’s Chief Executive and Accounting Officer, Capt. Noah Ichaba.
The committee expressed condolences to the bereaved families and commended the Cross River State Police Command for its rescue efforts.
According to Arise News, the incident occurred on Sept. 6, 2026, at about 12:14 p.m., with five survivors reportedly rescued by local fishermen in Cameroon.
The PC-NCG said the incident underscored the need to strengthen maritime safety systems, particularly for passenger boats operating in coastal communities.
It called for a comprehensive review of vessel registration, seaworthiness inspections, operator certification, safety procedures, communication systems and inter-agency coordination.
The committee also reiterated its call for the passage of the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill, which it said was at the third reading stage in the Senate.
“We do not attribute this collision to the absence of a Coast Guard, nor do we prejudge findings,” the statement quoted the committee as saying.
“However, repeated tragedies warrant serious consideration of whether current arrangements adequately serve coastal communities.
“The proposed Coast Guard must be judged on constitutional authority, operational necessity and public safety outcomes, not rivalry.”
The committee called for a transparent investigation into the cause of the collision, compliance with maritime safety standards and the adequacy of emergency response mechanisms.
It urged relevant authorities to ensure that the incident did not become another tragedy that fades from public attention without meaningful action.
“There can be no meaningful Blue Economy without Blue Security and Blue Justice. Regulation must not exist only on paper,” it stated.
The PC-NCG urged the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Navy, Marine Police and Cross River State Government to collaborate on the investigation.
It also called for engagement with affected families, improved search and rescue preparedness and stronger cross-border cooperation.
The committee stressed that concrete preventive measures were necessary to protect lives and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s maritime transportation system.
No Blue Economy Wit
hout Blue Security and Blue Justice.
