The Management of the National Inland Waterways Authority wishes to
commiserate with the government and people of Niger State, and in
particular, the families of those that lost loved ones in the recent boat
mishap that occurred at Kija in Munyan Local Government Area.
The Authority is particularly pained by the unwarranted loss of lives and
property due to disregard for established rules and regulations guiding
passenger ferry operations in the country. For safety reasons, night
sailing is banned; the use of life jackets and other life-saving appliances
is mandatory, even as over-loading of boats is a criminal offence. Yet
boat skippers and crew are fond of flouting these rules. Nevertheless,
NIWA will continue to engage in aggressive enlightenment and
education of ferry operators and passengers alike.
While extending our condolences once again, we shall investigate this
incident to unravel the immediate and remote causes, with a view to
preventing a re-occurrence of similar incidents. We wish therefore to
urge boat operators to abide by all safety requirements.
Signed:
Chief Dr. George N. Moghalu
Managing Director/CEO
11th May, 2021
