The Niger State Government says its collaboration with the Federal Government is yielding tangible results in enhancing safety on the state’s inland waterways and reducing boat mishaps. This is even as it has deployed eight fibre boats to coastal communities to replace wooden boats as well as the distribution of 3,700 life jackets to curb boat mishaps.
Speaking on Monday with journalists who on a fact-finding mission visited the state to investigate the causes of boat accidents nationwide, Niger State Commissioner for Transport, Hajia Hadiza Idris Kuta, said the recent provision of 3,700 life jackets by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) had already saved lives in the state.
The state ‘s commissioner of transport who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lucky Barau explained that the life jackets had been distributed to boat operators across 17 local government areas connected by water in the state.
Hajia Kuta added that the state government is complementing this intervention with additional safety measures adding that the state government had also introduced stricter safety measures, including a ban on night travel and overcrowding of boats.
She stressed that the State Government had distributed Eight fibre boats to coastal communities as part of a phased plan to replace wooden boats, a ban on night travel, and contracts for more life jackets. Specifically the Commissioner stated that Nupeko, Muregi, Shiroro, Kasabo, Malele, Muye, Gbajibo and the Marine Police have received the Fibre Boats to complement other private boat operators at those riverine areas of the State.
Hajia revealed that plans were also underway to procure water ambulances and recruit water marshals who will enforce life jacket usage and curb overloading. Additionally, she noted that there are plans underway in setting up Water marshals in collaboration with NIWA that will enforce the usage of life jackets on the waterways.
“In the recent boat mishap, about nine passengers were saved because they were all wearing life jackets. This is the impact of the federal government’s support. Currently, if you don’t wear the jacket, you will not board the boat. We are determined to end avoidable deaths on our waterways,” she stressed.
The commissioner commended NIWA Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, for fostering strong cooperation between the federal and state governments, which she said had improved safety and operational standards on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
“We’re setting up a water marshals that will enforce the usage of life jackets, because we get to understand that most people don’t even want to use a life jacket. So, the state government is considering recruiting water marshals who will enforce the usage of this life jacket” Hajia Kuta stated.
She also noted that the state government strictly control overloading on the fibre boats donated to the riverine communities.
