Niger State Distributes 3,500 Life Jackets to Riverine Communities
By Ibrahim Salihu.
The Niger State Government has officially launched the distribution of 3,500 life jackets to riverine areas in the state as part of its efforts to protect the lives and property of waterway users.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Hadiza Idris Kuta, along with other top government officials, inaugurated the distribution at the Farm Center in Minna.
She expressed her delight at the developmental efforts of Governor Umar Mohammed Bago and the measures implemented to address the challenges faced by riverine communities.
Commissioner Hadiza Idris Kuta stated that the initiative aims to curb the alarming rate of boat accidents and fatalities in these communities. It is a response to the recurring boat accidents caused by human error, inadequate equipment, and non-compliance with safety regulations, following a series of awareness campaigns by the government.
Hadiza emphasized the necessity of wearing life jackets, stressing that any boat driver who violates the “No Jackets, No Traveling” rule will face the full wrath of the law.
She also thanked Governor Umar Mohammed Bago for providing adequate facilities to reduce the incidence of boat mishaps, which have significantly decreased since the start of his administration.
Akapo Adeboye, the Area Manager of Nigerian Inland Waterways in charge of the Niger-Kwara region, reiterated the importance of life jacket usage among waterway users.
He called on boat owners and operators to ensure proper usage of the jackets whenever traveling along the waterways, highlighting the national priority of safety in this regard.
The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Niger State, Zakaria Iliyazu, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to enforcing waterway safety standards and supporting federal and state initiatives aimed at reducing accidents. He assured that enforcement efforts would continue.
The Chairman of the Boat Owners Association, Niger State chapter, Atairu Bawa Isah, noted that the distribution of life jackets will significantly enhance marine safety and help prevent further mishaps.
Other speakers praised the initiative by the ministry for its proactive commitment to safety, awareness, and the protection of citizens’ lives, particularly in riverine communities where water transportation is vital for their livelihoods.
The life jackets were provided through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for distribution to riverine communities in the state.
