The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, has donated safety kits to boat operators and passengers in Niger State after the tragic boat accident in Gbajibo area that claimed 36 live.
The accident, which occurred on the Niger River upstream of the Jebba Dam, saw a boat carrying about 300 passengers capsize, leaving 36 bodies recovered and 114 still missing. The boat was transporting youths from Kwara State for a Maulud celebration when disaster struck.
During his visit, Mr. Oyebamiji expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and vowed to enforce stricter adherence to waterways safety regulations. He condemned the frequent disregard for safety guidelines by some boat operators and passengers, such as overloading and the non-use of life jackets. He noted that these infractions would now attract stiffer penalties to ensure safety on the waterways.
The NIWA boss also ordered the arrest of the operators of the boat involved in the accident, emphasizing the need for accountability. He reassured the public that safety on waterways remains a top priority for the agency.
The donation of safety kits is part of NIWA’s commitment to preventing future tragedies and ensuring the safety of all passengers and operators on the nation’s waterways.
