The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent boat accident on December 15, 2024, which claimed several lives. The tragedy involved a commercial wooden boat ferrying passengers across the River Benue from Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State to Odenyi in Nasarawa Toto, Nasarawa State.
In a statement issued by Muhammad Tahir Zakari, the ministry’s Head of Press, Oyetola described the frequency of boat mishaps as alarming. He emphasized the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety measures, calling on states, local governments, and community leaders to collaborate with the Ministry and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to prevent such avoidable incidents.
The minister reminded stakeholders of NIWA’s operational code, which mandates the use of life jackets and prohibits overloading. He warned that operators who fail to adhere to these regulations would face severe sanctions, including fines or prosecution. “We must hold accountable any party that endangers lives through negligence,” Oyetola stated.
He further stressed the federal government’s commitment to enforcing safety protocols and ensuring compliance across Nigerian waterways. Oyetola called for a united front in tackling the challenges associated with water transportation and reducing the prevalence of preventable accidents.
