The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has sympathised with the Kogi State government , 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, on Thursday, November 28, 2024.
The Minister’s Head, Press, and Public Relations , Muhammad Tahir Zakari who disclosed this in a press statement said Oyetola commended the swift response of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Kogi State Government that led to the rescue of some survivors. He charged NIWA to enforce the compliance of “NIWA’s Waterways Transportation Code” and charge erring offenders.
He equally called on boat operators, 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.
Zakari noted that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirms its dedication to ensuring the safe operation of the 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 our waterways.
Oyetola said “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.”
NIWA had earlier announced that the boat which conveyed market women travelling to a market in Niger state capsized .
