The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has expressed deep condolences to the Niger State Government and the families affected by the tragic boat accident on the Gbajibo River.
The recent mishap resulted in multiple fatalities, prompting the minister to call for greater safety measures on Nigeria’s waterways.
Oyetola highlighted the importance of caution in water travel, particularly urging boat users to avoid night journeys, ensure the use of life jackets, and refrain from overloading vessels.
According to him, these precautions are critical in reducing the high rate of preventable deaths on the nation’s waterways.
In a statement released through his spokesperson, Ismail Omipidan, the minister stressed the need for collective responsibility in preventing further accidents.
He urged all boat operators to adhere strictly to established water transportation regulations, saying, “I am aware that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) recently launched an advocacy campaign, warning against rising water levels, night travel, overloading, and the failure to use life jackets. NIWA has also deployed water marshals to enforce the transportation code.”
The minister further tasked NIWA with intensifying its enforcement of the transportation code to enhance safety standards across the marine sector. Oyetola emphasized that reducing accidents and standardizing operations will create a more secure environment for potential investors in the country’s maritime industry.
In addition, Oyetola appealed to state governments, especially those in coastal and riverine regions, to work closely with NIWA in addressing the persistent issue of boat mishaps.
He stated that coordinated efforts between states and NIWA are crucial to ending the recurrent tragedies on Nigeria’s waterways.
