The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has disclosed that about 30 people lost their lives in various boat mishaps on Kainji Lake in the last nine months.
NIWA Managing Director, Dr George Moghalu said this at the launch of the PB Port Harcourt Fibre Patrol, Surveillance and Safety Boat on Kanji Lake Malale Waterways in Niger and Kwara States.
He revealed that so far a total of 29 passengers have lost their lives in 2022 compared to over 100 in 2021 on the Malale Waterfronts, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Managing Director, who was represented by the Deputy Director in charge of navigation, Captain Abdulkadir Abu said that the boat mishaps have reduced due to cutting of water stocks, removal of water logs and sensitisation.
The Nation reports he also advised water travellers to avoid night journeys and desist from boarding without life jackets.
The Niger/Kwara NIWA Area Manager Niger/Kwara States Office Akapo Adeboye said that the speed boat will be used to rescue, secure and ensure the safety of the water users in the communities.
He also said the speed boat would be used for surveillance and to prevent foreigners from invading the state through the waters.
“The speed boats would stop the infiltration of foreigners through the waterways into the country, overloading, and overspeeding. The boat has the capacity of two 115-horsepower engines.
“I urge Niger and Kwara to take useful advantage of its available waters for their numerous economic growth.”
Niger Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello represented by the Commissioner for Transportation, Zakari Mohammed Sani reiterated the commitment to the state government in partnering with all stakeholders in enhancing the safety and protection of its citizens.
A community member, Saidu Musa said that the Malale community have been victims of boat mishaps that have claimed several lives in Borgu local government saying that the provision of the modern speed boat will go a long way in impacting the lives of the people.
