The Chairman of Munya local government area in Niger State, Aminu Najume has blamed night travel and overloading for some boat mishaps.
He also called on residents of riverine communities to strictly adhere to water transportation safety measures to curb recurring boat accidents in the state.
Speaking to journalists during a fact-finding mission on the causes of boat mishaps in the country, Najume said the council has been sensitising residents on the dangers of night travel, overloading, and failure to wear life jackets while boarding boats.
He disclosed that while many have complied with safety guidelines on the inland waterways, others remain negligent — a situation he said was responsible for recent tragedies.
Citing a recent boat mishap in the area, Najume explained that passengers who wore life jackets were rescued, while those without them lost their lives.
“The Ministry of Transport and the state government have done a lot, especially by providing life jackets. Those who wore them survived, but those who didn’t, perished,” he said.
“Unfortunately, people in rural areas often prioritise transporting goods over safety.”
To address the challenge, Najume emphasised the need for enforcement, sustained sensitisation, and improved water transport infrastructure.
He appealed to the Niger State Government to intensify safety measures in riverine areas.
Under his leadership, Munya LGA has created a dedicated social department with five desk officers who routinely visit communities, especially during the dry season, to educate residents on the dangers of unsafe water travel, overloading, and building houses close to riverbanks.
Kuchi narrated how an overloaded engine boat carrying grains, cows, machines, and passengers capsized after hitting underwater shrubs.
Looking ahead, the chairman said he plans to personally lead a post-by-election tour to riverine communities to reinforce safety messages in local dialects.
He also identified the need for ferries as safer and more efficient alternatives to canoes and wooden boats.
“I appeal to the state government, through the Ministry of Transport, to provide us with a ferry. It will reduce risks, generate revenue, and allow for continuous safety enforcement at boarding points,” he said.
Najume also welcomed the deployment of water marshals to monitor jetties and called for penalties against passengers who refuse to wear life jackets.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration between Munya and Shiroro LGAs, given their shared waterways, market access points, and cultural ties.
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