- President Tinubu directs NIWA and NEMA to strengthen waterway safety enforcement.
- Sokoto boat tragedy claimed dozens of lives and left others missing.
- FG to work with Sokoto State Government to prevent a recurrence.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to strengthen safety measures on Nigeria’s waterways following a deadly boat accident in Sokoto State.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the President gave the directive on Friday after a boat capsized in Gorau Community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing dozens of passengers and leaving others missing.
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Tinubu directed the agencies to work closely with the Sokoto State Government to review and enforce existing safety regulations governing inland water transportation.
The accident occurred on the Rima River and involved a boat carrying residents, including women and children travelling to their farms. Reports from authorities put the number of fatalities at more than 40, while rescue operations continued for missing passengers.
Reacting to the tragedy, Tinubu expressed sadness over the loss of lives and sympathised with the families of the victims, as well as the government and people of Sokoto State.
“The news of this boat mishap deeply saddens me. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families during this difficult time,” the President said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
He also prayed for the peaceful repose of those who died and the recovery of those injured in the accident.
Tinubu commended emergency responders and local authorities involved in the rescue and recovery efforts, while urging the relevant agencies to ensure strict compliance with established safety requirements on waterways.
The President’s directive is expected to intensify scrutiny of boat operations, including compliance with safety standards and preventive measures in communities where inland water transportation is a major means of movement.
The Sokoto tragedy has once again raised concerns over waterway safety in Nigeria, where boat accidents have repeatedly claimed lives, particularly during the rainy season.
The Federal Government is expected to work with state authorities and relevant agencies to strengthen enforcement and reduce the risk of similar accidents occurring in the future.
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