The Federal Government has flagged off marine safety awareness sensitization and distribution of life jackets in some selected States in Nigeria.
The Minister of Marine and Blue economy, Adegboyega Oyetola who flagged off the event at the Government House, Minna said the idea is in line with the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians who rely daily on inland waterways for transportation and commerce.
He acknowledged the enormous economic potential of the waterways in the Country which has been hampered by rising incidences of boat mishaps which calls for a collective, and strategic intervention hence the commencement of first phase distribution of 3,500 life jackets to 12 selected States, Niger State inclusive.
The Minister who commended Umaru Bago for his laudable efforts toward
improving riverine transportation within the State with the procurement and distribution of five boats called on other State Governors and Community leaders to tow his path.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Unaru Bago in his keynote address said the Government in collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority NIWA and other relevant stakeholders will henceforth implement the mandatory use of life jackets and adherence to all waterways safety regulations in the State.
The Governor who was represented by the Speaker Niger State House of Assembly Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji decried the alarming rate of boat mishaps in the State revealed that the State Government has Identified remote causes of boat mishaps in the State and is determined to address it through enforcement, education and investment in waterways.
He said, the State will always ensure that it compliments the efforts of the Federal Government in order to ensure safety on waterways.
The Managing Director/ CEO, National Inland Waterways Authority NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji who equally acknowledged farmer Governor Umaru Bago’s energy in squarely addressing issues in water transportation highlighted the need for stronger collaboration with partners in stemming the tide of boat mishaps on waterways.
Commissioner for Transport, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta appreciated the Ministry of Marine and blue economy for always coming through for Niger State with the provision of ambulance and passenger boats including the formation of water marshals stationed on coastal areas in the State while also admitting that the life jackets distributed to the State will greatly help.
The Etsu Nupe, Alh. Abubakar Yahaya represented at the event by the Wambai Nupe, Engr. Ndagi Aliyu re -echoed the need for traditional Institutions as key stakeholders at the grassroots to do more in sensitizing their people on the need for adherence to waterways safety.
