The Chairman of Munya Local Government Area of Niger state, Hon. Aminu Abdulhamid Najume has outlined efforts to curb recurring boat mishaps in riverine communities in the area, emphasizing the need for enforcement, sustained sensitization, and improved water transport infrastructure.
He spoke on Tuesday during an interview with journalists who visited the state to investigate causes of recurring boat accidents nationwide, Najume explained that the council has a dedicated social department with five officers who routinely visit communities, particularly during the dry season to educate residents on the dangers of unsafe water travel, overloading of boats, and building close to riverbanks.
According to him, these sensitization tours also highlight the importance of using life jackets, especially in areas surrounded by multiple rivers.
Najume lamented that despite consistent awareness campaigns, negligence remains a major cause of fatalities, citing a recent tragedy in a village where an overloaded engine boat carrying grains, cows, machines, and passengers capsized after hitting underwater shrubs. While several lives were saved due to the use of life jackets that were recently distributed by the Niger State Ministry of Transport, nine passengers who were not wearing the protective gear drowned.
“The Ministry of Transport and the state government have done a lot, especially by providing life jackets. Those who wore them survived, but those who didn’t, died,” Najume said, stressing that rural residents often prioritize transporting goods over safety.
The council boss revealed plans to personally lead a tour to riverine settlements to reinforce safety messages in local dialects. He also identified the need for ferries as a safer and more efficient alternative to canoes and wooden boats, noting that a previously functional ferry in the area had broken down.
“I appeal to the state government, through the Ministry of Transport, to provide us with a ferry. It will reduce risks, generate revenue, and allow for continuous safety enforcement at boarding points,” he said.
Responding to suggestions from stakeholders about deploying “water marshals” to monitor jetties, Najume expressed support for the initiative, adding that penalties should be imposed on passengers who refuse to wear life jackets. He also stressed the importance of collaboration between Munya and Shiroro LGAs, given their shared waterways and market access points.
While acknowledging the role of sensitization, Najume maintained that enforcement is critical, especially on market days when boat operators are tempted to overload in order to maximize profits. He assured that discussions with the Niger State Commissioner for Transport and the governor would prioritize ferry acquisition and safety regulation in riverine communities.
Stakeholders at the meeting also called for investment in modern water transport equipment capable of carrying vehicles and heavy goods, pointing to similar systems used in other parts of Nigeria and abroad.
