The National Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has distributed 31 fibre glass boats across riverine communities of its member States.
The distribution which conincided with the World Maritime Day celebration, took place at the N-HYPPADEC Headquarters, Minna.
The Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Alh. Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa in his remarks explained that the distribution of fibre glass boats was part of the Commission’s broader vision to revolutionise marine transportation in all its member States.
He revealed that the boats are a significant improvement over the traditional wooden boats, adding that they are more durable, safer and offer superior performance in navigating rivers using minimal human labour, which would help reduce the risks associated with human error and ensure a reliability.
While highlighting the efforts of the Commission towards improving the lives of the people of its member States, the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC said one of their primary goals has been to enhance marine transportation and mitigate the recurrence of boat mishaps, which have plagued several communities of its member States for many years leading to loss of lives and livelihoods.
Alh. Sadiq Yelwa expressed hope that the initiative will prompt state governments to recognise the importance of water transportation and invest in it as a vital component of the national transport infrastructure.
He also called all relevant stakeholders to monitor, ensure judicious use of the vessels and ensure that safety protocols are adhered to, while reaffirming the commitment of the Commission to the well-being of the riverine communities within its area of operation.
According to him, the use of the riverine transport as the main means of transportation in the communities were considered in the distribution, and hence, Niger State is to receive 8 boats, Kebbi 6, Kwara and Kogi are to get 4 each, while Benue has 2.
Taraba and Nasarawa are to get 2 each while Gombe and Kaduna have 1 each, adding that States who do not have the need for the boat would be compensated in other areas.
He also took time to commend the Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago for his visionary leadership in the State, particularly infrastructural development.
Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, described the distribution of the fibre glass boats as a pathway to improved community development that will help to facilitate the movement of goods and services, strengthen trade networks, and enhance community connectivity.
Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, the Governor said, the gesture by N-HYPPADEC will not only save lives but give a sense of belonging to riverine communities.
While recounting the loss of lives and livelihoods, as well as challenges faced by Riverine communities over the years, the Governor reiterated the State Government’s commitment to partnering with N-HYPPADEC and other stakeholders to develop the riverine communities.
He advised all the Transport Commissioners of all the N- HYPPADEC member States, to look inwards and make a robust feasibility study which should be forwarded to the State Governments for necessary measures.
The Director of Operations, who was represented by the Head of Dams and Operations, Mal. Zubairu Adamu said the distribution of the fibre glass boats is to ensure efficiency and safety in travel across the riverine communities, adding that the goal is to foster connectivity, improve the livelihood of boat users and promote economic activities across N-HYPADDEC member States.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Niger State Commissioner for Transport, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta and her Benue State counterpart, Barr Omale Oga Mathew who spoke on behalf of the Commissioners for Transport Forum, commended N-HYPADDEC for the initiative and called for more collaboration with States.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Niger State Association of Boat Operators, Alh. Attahiru Bawa Isah appreciated N-HYPADDEC for the intervention and called for more synergy as well as the establishment of water and rescue Marshals to complement the activities of water Marshals.
