The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has called on the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to enforce the compliance of its Waterways Transportation Code and charge offenders.
TheHintsNews reports that a recent tragic boat accident that occurred in the Kupa Ebbe Village, Kupa South Local Government area of Kogi Stat led to loss of lives.
Oyetola in a statement Sunday by Head, Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Muhammad Zakari, commended the swift response of NIWA and the Kogi State Government that led to the rescue of some survivors.
The minister called on boat operators and traditional and community leaders to drive the process of ensuring their communes desist from embarking on boats rides between dusk and dawn, noting that the government alone can not drive this process wholly.
read: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this unfortunate incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”
Oyetola reaffirmed federal government’s dedication to ensuring the safe operation of the country’s waterways.
He assured that the federal government would be collaborating with not just the Kogi State government but all States, relevant stakeholders to mitigate the risk of further casualties along our waterways.
