Niger State Cracks Down on Boat Operators Over Recurring Mishaps, Seeks New Transportation Investments
Comrade Yakubu Garba, Deputy Governor of Niger State
The Niger State Government has reiterated its readiness to welcome investments across all modes of transportation to drive economic growth and enhance public safety.
This is even as it has vowed to commence sanctioning and prosecution of Boat operators who refused to adhere to the usage of life jackets.
Speaking on Thursday, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, said the State is committed to supporting initiatives that promote development while safeguarding lives.
“First, let me formally welcome you to Niger State on behalf of His Excellency, Governor Umar Bago, who is aware of your visit. I was present when the Commissioner briefed him about your coming,” Garba said.
He stressed that the present administration places a high premium on human life and economic revitalization. “The governor I know will not hesitate to support any effort that promotes life, security, and economic growth. Any initiative that enhances the image, economy, and safety of Niger State is one we are ready to support.”
On the need for stronger cooperation between the Federal and State Governments, Garba noted that states are often overwhelmed by competing demands.
“You have to deal with agriculture, security, education, and health, among others. You cannot channel all your resources into one sector; priorities must be set. We are not saying that waterways are not important, but when you compare them with insecurity, food security, education, and healthcare—sectors long neglected—these deserve equal attention from the Federal Government,” he said.
Garba urged the Federal Government to extend the kind of collaboration it currently enjoys with the private sector in air, rail, and road transport to water transportation. “Adequate routes and fibre boats in our waterways will go a long way in addressing the challenges we face,” he added.
Addressing the role of superstitious beliefs in riverine communities, the Deputy Governor called for a shift in mindset. “Culture is reality, but superstition is a matter of perception. Are we saying our ancestors caused mishaps or should have saved us from capsizing? In the 21st century, we should be talking about technology, not superstition.”
On policy execution, Garba observed a gap between formulation and implementation. “Our policies are often louder than our actions. Nigerian policy documents are among the best in the world, but the challenge lies in implementation,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the government has vowed to commence sanctioning and prosecuting Boat operators who refused to adhere to the usage of life jackets
The Commissioner of Transport Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta who led a high delegation to Guni in Munya Local Government area to condole with the families of the victims of boat mishap which occurred in Zumba made this known during the visit.
The Commissioner revealed that her Ministry provided one hundred and fifty life jackets to Guni boat operators before the incident and expressed her dismay as to why the passengers who lost their lives in the mishap refused to use them.
She appealed to traditional leaders and especially the association of boat operators to ensure its usage as government will not take it lightly with anyone caught disobeying the rule.
In their separate condolence messages on behalf of the Governor, the Commissioner of Lands and Survey Maurice Magaji and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Mairo Mohammed Mann urged members of the community to accept the irreparable loss as a destiny but stressed the need for the community leaders to ensure proper supervision of passengers wearing life jackets and the removal of undergrowth to prevent future occurrence.
The duo assured of Umaru Mohammed Bago’s commitment in saving lives and properties of the people but call for collaboration from all stakeholders in achieving that objective.
The families of the thirteen people who lost their lives in the mishap were availed two hundred thousand naira, 50kg of rice and maize each while fifty additional life jackets were also given to the association of boat operators in the area.
