The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has promised to continue to enforce compliance with safety rules and regulations as well as employ other measures to achieve safe waterways for all.
The NIWA General Manager Corporate Affairs Jibril Darda’u in a Statement issued in Lokoja on Sunday gave the assurance in a condolence message to the Government and people of Niger State, on the recent boat mishap which occurred at Shiroro Local Govt Area on Saturday.
Darda’u said it was with saddeness for the NIWA, to once again condole Nigerians over lives lost to another boat mishap
“We are all the more saddened because of the efforts we have put in place to ensure that basic safety guidelines and regulations are adhered to by boat drivers. “Despite this, however, boat drivers and operators still sail in bad weather; overload their boats and oftentimes do not even wear life jackets for their own safety.
“Unless Operator’s and passengers alike buy into the imperative of safety on the waterways, no amount of enforcement or compulsion on the part of regulatory bodies can effect the desired results’
He expressed regrets for the loss of lives and pray for the repose of the souls of the dead