The Kogi State Government has distributed 2,500 life jackets to members of the Maritime Union of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, as part of efforts to prevent boat mishaps and strengthen safety on the state’s waterways.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Atuluku Victor Levi, disclosed this on Wednesday during the distribution exercise in Lokoja.
He stated that the intervention was provided by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to protect residents and other users of the waterways, particularly those in riverine communities.
Levi urged members of the Maritime Union to ensure equitable distribution of the life jackets and stressed the need for strict compliance with the compulsory use of life jackets by all passengers travelling by boat.
He said the government would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders to reduce risks associated with water transportation and improve safety standards across the state’s waterways.
The Commissioner also said the government will ensure stronger enforcement of waterway safety regulations and sustained monitoring of compliance in riverine communities.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator of N-HYPPADEC, Dr Michael Ajayi, described the intervention as timely, particularly with rising water levels, and called for continuous public enlightenment on the importance of wearing life jackets.
Ajayi urged stronger collaboration among the Ministry of Transportation, NIWA, HYPPADEC, SEMA, the Nigeria Marine Police and the Red Cross to deepen water safety awareness and prevent avoidable accidents.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Maritime Union of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, Abdullahi Yusuf, described the distribution as a significant intervention, assuring the government that the life jackets would be fairly distributed and used strictly for their intended purpose.
Other stakeholders, including representatives of NIWA, SEMA, the Nigeria Marine Police and the Red Cross, commended the initiative and called for sustained collaboration to maintain safety standards across Kogi’s waterways.
