By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Federal Government has launched a marine safety awareness campaign, along with the sensitization and...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Federal Government has launched a marine safety awareness campaign, along with the sensitization and distribution of life jackets across selected states in Nigeria.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, officially flagged off the initiative at the Government House in Minna. He stated that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government's commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians who depend on inland waterways for daily transportation and commerce.
Oyetola highlighted the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s waterways, noting that frequent boat mishaps have hindered their full utilization. He emphasized the need for strategic and collective action, starting with the distribution of 3,500 life jackets in the first phase across 12 selected states, including Niger State.
The Minister commended Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for his notable contributions to water transportation in the state, particularly the procurement and distribution of five boats. He urged other state governors and community leaders to emulate such efforts.
In his keynote address, Governor Bago—represented by the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji—expressed concern over the increasing rate of boat mishaps in the state. He announced that the state government, in collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and other stakeholders, will begin enforcing the mandatory use of life jackets and adherence to water safety regulations.
The governor revealed that the root causes of boat accidents have been identified and will be addressed through stricter enforcement, public education, and investment in water transport infrastructure. He reaffirmed the state's commitment to complementing federal efforts to ensure safety on the waterways.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director and CEO of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, praised Governor Bago’s proactive stance on improving water transportation. He stressed the importance of enhanced collaboration to curb boat accidents nationwide.
The Niger State Commissioner for Transport, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, thanked the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for its continued support. She noted the provision of ambulance and passenger boats, as well as the deployment of water marshals to coastal communities. She added that the newly distributed life jackets would significantly improve safety.
Representing the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya, the Wambai Nupe, Engr. Ndagi Aliyu, emphasized the vital role of traditional institutions in grassroots sensitization on waterway safety.
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