The Federal Government, through the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, has begun sensitization of riverine communities on safety precautions to curb the recurrence of boat mishaps.
Managing Director of the Authority, Bola Oyebamiji, who said this at Gbajibo in Mokwa Local Government Area during a condolence visit, also donated 300 lifejackets with a pledge to provide more safety equipment for them.
Following the recent boat mishap that occurred at Gbajibo community in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State claiming 42 lives after a boat conveying over 300 passengers capsized, the residents of the community have continued to demand government assistance in the area of provision of safety equipment
Responding to the plea, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, led his management team to the community on a condolence visit as well as to sensitise them on safety precautions.
The agency also used the medium to donate 300 lifejackets with a promise to provide more safety equipment to the people to avert future recurrence of such incident
The chairman of the Niger State boat owners association, Atahiru Bawa, promised that his members would comply with NIWA directives on precautionary measures.
The visit by the National Inland Waterways Authority was to sympathise with the community and to also find a lasting solution to the frequent boat mishaps on the waterways.
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
