BOAT MISHAP: Oyetola Tasks NIWA to Enforce Waterways Transportation Code, Prosecute Offenders

—Commiserates With Kogi State Govt, Families of Victims in Boat Mishap

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has charged the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to ensure strict enforcement of its Waterways Transportation Code and charge erring offenders.
The minister also commiserates with the Kogi State government and the families and victims involved in the recent tragic boat accident that occurred in the Kupa Ebbe Village, Kupa South Local Government area of Kogi State, during the early hours of Thursday, November 28, 2024.

“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 stated in a statement signed by Muhammad Zakari, Head, Press, and Public Relations for the ministry.

He assured that the Ministry and the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is dedicated to ensuring the safe operation of Nigerian waterways and hence is collaborating with not just the Kogi State Government but all States, relevant Stakeholders to mitigate the risk of further casualties along the waterways.

While commending the swift response of NIWA and the Kogi State Government that led to the rescue of some survivors, He however charged NIWA to enforce the compliance of her “Waterways Transportation Code” and charge erring offenders.

He equally 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.