Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, MD/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), visited the Gwajibo community in Niger State to offer condolences over the recent boat mishap.
The boat was traveling to a Maulid Nabbiy celebration in Niger State as preliminary report indicates overloading as the cause of accident, with more than 100 survivors rescued so far.
During his visit, Mr. Oyebamiji assured the community and Nigerians that NIWA would continue to strive for safer inland waterways. He distributed life jackets to boat operators, passengers, and other stakeholders within the state, reinforcing the importance of safety measures.
The tragic incident has intensified calls for stricter safety protocols on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Mr. Oyebamiji emphasized the need for comprehensive enforcement to prevent future accidents, stating, “We have increased the number of our water marshals and deployed patrol boats. Additionally, we have implemented 24-hour monitoring in critical areas and motivated our law enforcement personnel to ensure compliance with regulations.”
NIWA has ramped up patrols, particularly in vulnerable areas, to enforce waterway rules and ensure that both operators and passengers adhere to safety protocols.
In response to the tragedy, Mr. Oyebamiji urged boat operators to prioritize human lives over profits.
“They must adhere to the rules and regulations guiding their trade, and passengers should protect themselves by wearing life jackets and ensuring that operators do not exceed the approved weight limits,” he advised.
He also stressed the dangers of night sailing, reiterating, “Passengers should desist from night sailing to avoid further tragedies. The rules restricting boat operations between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. remain in force.”
Meanwhile, the Niger State government, led by Governor Muhammad Umar Bago, expressed profound sorrow over the incident.
The governor directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to collaborate with federal bodies and humanitarian organizations to assist the victims and their families. A state delegation, led by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu, was dispatched to provide support and condolences to the affected community.
This tragic event has prompted a renewed push for increased sensitization and education on waterway safety, with Mr. Oyebamiji affirming NIWA’s commitment to taking all necessary steps to prevent such occurrences in the future. He called for greater responsibility from both operators and passengers, urging all stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways.