The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority,  Bola Oyebamiji, visited Niger State to donate safety kits to boat operators and passengers following a recent boat accident in the Gbajibo area that claimed the lives of 36 people.

According to a statement released on Tuesday, Oyebamiji ordered the arrest of the operators of the boat involved in the accident, emphasising the need for accountability.

Oyebamiji expressed his condolences to the families of the victims during the visit 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.

To improve compliance, Oyebamiji announced that NIWA water marshals would begin operations day and night to enforce safety regulations and ensure smooth operations across Nigeria’s inland waterways.He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property on the nation’s waterways.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property on the nation’s waterways.

He assured the community and the broader public of NIWA’s unwavering dedication to maintaining safety standards and preventing future tragedies.

As part of the visit, life jackets and other essential safety kits were distributed to hundreds of boat operators, passengers, and stakeholders in Niger State.

The NIWA boss urged all waterways users to strictly adhere to safety guidelines to prevent future accidents.

“It is imperative that both boat operators and passengers use life jackets and avoid overloading,” he stated, stressing that negligence would no longer be tolerated.

NIWA’s gesture is part of ongoing efforts to promote safe water transport and prevent avoidable loss of life on Nigeria’s waterways.