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The recent heart-wrenching video of passengers struggling to stay afloat in the raging sea after their boat sank while traveling to Bonny Island in Rivers State is a stark reminder of the dire need for urgent action to address the neglect of marine transportation in the region. Despite its strategic economic importance to Nigeria, with millions of barrels of crude oil shipped out daily and foreign vessels coming and going around the clock, the people of Bonny Island are forced to risk their lives daily on rough seas due to the lack of decent boats for transportation.
The stark contrast between the giant boats used by companies operating in the area for their staff and contractors and the rickety boats used by the indigenous people is a testament to the neglect and abandonment of the community by the government and corporate entities.
The King of Bonny, Edward Asimini Pepple, has had firsthand experience of the dangers of traveling to Bonny via these boats, he travelled many times in his youth to Bonny before he became king. He won’t dare it these days.
He must own a boat or two of his own. The Oil companies will gladly provide one for him or a replacement boat. Kingship comes with his perks. We can’t grudge him that.
But as King, he must take a strong stance to compel the oil companies to provide better transportation for his people. Too many lives have been lost due to this negligence.
*A Call to Action*
The local government chairman, Governor Sim Fubara, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, NNPCL must also take immediate action to address this issue.
The Bonny Boat Owners Association, which has been accused of wanting to control the route to continue exploiting the people, must be held accountable and their interests must not be allowed to supersede the safety and well-being of the community. Something has to be worked out that accommodates their interests and provides safety for the people of Bonny island.
The study on marine transportation on oil and gas projects in Bonny Island highlights the importance of hinterland connections in ensuring project viability. It is imperative that the government and corporate entities prioritize the development of safe and reliable marine transportation infrastructure to support the economic activities in the region.
*The Consequences of Inaction*
The consequences of inaction will be dire. The people of Bonny Island will continue to risk their lives daily, and the economic activities in the region will be severely impacted. The government and corporate entities must take responsibility for ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
I went to Bonny Island about twenty years ago for the first time in one of those boats. It was a fearful experience. My heart was in my mouth most of the way, and I swore I will never return in those same boats. It was a nightmare.
The government, corporate entities, and community leaders must work together to provide safe and reliable transportation infrastructure to support the economic activities in the region and ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
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