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Federal Government Commits to Enhanced Waterways Safety Following Sokoto Tragedy
Federal Government Commits to Enhanced Waterways Safety Following Sokoto Tragedy
The Federal Government has renewed its pledge to strengthen safety protocols and emergency response capabilities across Nigeria’s inland waterways, following a deadly boat accident in Sokoto State that claimed four lives.
Minister of State for Works, Alh. Bello Goronyo, made this commitment during a high-level meeting with the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamji, at the agency’s headquarters.
The Minister commended both NIWA and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their coordinated rescue efforts during the August 17 boat mishap along the Sokoto Rima River in Goronyo Local Government Area.
“The rescue operations in Sokoto demonstrate the critical importance of inter-agency collaboration. NIWA and NEMA’s early arrival and swift action resulted in the rescue of survivors and recovery of victims,” Goronyo stated, according to a press release from the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Muhammad Ahmad.
The tragic incident saw 41 passengers rescued alive, while five remain missing from the capsized vessel.
Beyond praising the emergency response, Minister Goronyo emphasized that such collaborative engagements must become standard practice rather than isolated efforts. He outlined the Federal Government’s comprehensive approach to waterway safety, which includes:
– Provision of modern infrastructure and rescue equipment
– Implementation of robust safety policies
– Ensuring secure and efficient inland water transport nationwide
The Minister linked these initiatives to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting how the administration’s vision encompasses improved safety standards, infrastructure development, and enhanced service delivery across the water transport sector.
In response to the Minister’s visit, NIWA’s Managing Director revealed several immediate and upcoming safety interventions:
Fleet Expansion: The Federal Government will soon deploy five new vessels, including both aluminum and iron boats, with one specifically allocated to Sokoto State to strengthen local emergency response capabilities.
Navigation Improvements: Immediate action is underway to remove water hyacinth blocking waterways in the region, which will facilitate safer and more efficient water transport.
Community Safety Equipment: Distribution of life jackets to riverine communities across the affected areas will commence in the coming weeks.
Mr. Oyebamji assured the Minister of NIWA’s continued commitment to prioritizing safety and improving waterway navigation standards across the country.
The meeting underscores the Federal Government’s recognition that waterway safety requires sustained investment, inter-agency cooperation, and proactive measures rather than reactive responses to tragedies.
As Nigeria continues to rely heavily on water transport, particularly in riverine communities, the government’s renewed focus on safety infrastructure and emergency preparedness could prove crucial in preventing similar incidents and protecting lives along the nation’s extensive waterway network.