Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has expressed has lamented the tragic boat accident that occurred on December 15, 2024, when a commercial wooden boat capsized while ferrying passengers across the River Benue in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State to Odenyi in Nasarawa Toto Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.
In a statement, the Head of Press in the Ministry, Muhammad Tahir Zakari quoted the minister sas saying: “The spate of boat mishaps is alarming, and this tragic incident further highlights the necessity for stricter safety measures. States, local governments, and community leaders must collaborate with the Ministry and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to prioritize safety on our waterways.’’
He reminded stakeholders of NIWA’s operational code, which mandates safety practices such as the wearing of life jackets and the avoidance of overloading. He warned that operators who flout these rules and endanger lives must be sanctioned accordingly.
“Any neglectful party that risks the lives and property of others should face fines or prosecution as stipulated in the laid-down regulations,” the Minister asserted.
Oyetola reiterated the government’s resolve to enforce safety regulations and called for collective action to stem the tide of preventable boat tragedies on Nigerian waterways.
