The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, advocated measures to reduce the incessant rates of boat accidents in the country.
Against this backdrop, he urged cooperation of states, local governments, community leaders and all and sundry to join efforts with the ministry and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to stem the horrible tide of boat accidents by paying more attention to safety.
Oyetola also called for collaboration among states, local governments and community leaders to support the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, alongside NIWA in curbing boat mishaps.
He stressed that any neglectful party risking lives and property of anyone should be fined or tried according to the laid down rules.
This was contained in a statement signed by the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Muhammad Zakari, on Tuesday.
“The minister decried the spate of boat accidents on our waterways. He noted that the incident has once again highlighted the need for caution by boat operators and users and the urgent need for stricter safety measures on Nigerian waterways.
‘‘NIWA’s operational code outlines, amongst others, adherence to safety regulations such as wearing life jackets and avoiding overloading of boats.
Any neglectful party risking lives and property of anyone should be fined or tried according to the laid down rules. Oyetola stressed.
In the statement, Oyetola expressed grief over the tragic boat accident that occurred in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on December 15.
The accident involved a commercial wooden boat conveying about 70 to 80 passengers, which capsized while crossing the River Benue en route to Odenyi in the Nasarawa Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Reports said that the victims, who were mostly traders, were returning from the Ocholonya Market in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State when the incident happened. Eyewitness accounts revealed that the accident was caused by excessive speed and overloading.
Preliminary investigations have identified the boat owner and operator as Mr. Abubakar Muhammed. The vessel, powered by an outboard engine, capsized due to a combination of overloading and excessive speed, according to eyewitnesses.
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