PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS NIWA TO INVESTIGATE THE SPATE OF BOAT ACCIDENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY 03-10-24
By Sadiq Aminu President Bola Tinubu has directed the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, to investigate the spate of boat accidents across the country, particularly, Niger State, where the frequency is frightening.
The president has also directed NIWA to expand the scope of its surveillance of inland waters to ensure people’s safety and prosecute boat operators violating the ban on night sailing.
The President was reacting to Tuesday’s boat mishap in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State in which many lives were lost.
Reports say the boat, with three hundred passengers, substantially women and children, was sailing on the Gbajibo River from the Mundi community when it capsized.
While over 150 passengers have been rescued, and 25 bodies recovered, the rest are yet to be accounted for.
President Tinubu has condoled with the Government and people of Niger State over the accident, and commiserated with the families of the victims.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, says the President prays for the repose of the souls of the dead.
The President also thanked emergency workers and local divers working to find the remaining passengers.