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Sokoto Boat Mishap: FG Moves To Reduce Casualties With Additional Equipment

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
L-R: Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Mr. Bola Oyebamiji and Minister of Works for State, Bello M. Goronyo Esq when the former visited the headquarters of Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja on Tuesday. 


Committed to protecting inland water transport across the country, the Federal Government has mapped out strategies to reduce frequent boat mishaps by providing additional infrastructure, equipment and policies to prevent casualties. 

This is coming on the heels of a recent boat mishap at Garin Faji, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State on August 22, 2025. 

At least, six people died, three missing while 19 persons were rescued during the mishap. 

According to reports, the victims were among dozens of people who boarded boats while trying to escape an attack by armed bandits, but unfortunately  one of the boats capsized, leading to casualties.

During an interactive meeting with the management of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) on Tuesday in Abuja, Goronyo reiterated its commitment to improving safety and rescue operations across Nigeria’s waterways. 

He emphasised that such engagements should be sustained as an ongoing platform for collaboration rather than a 'one-off meeting.'

The minister praised NIWA and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for timely intervention, noting that their coordinated rescue efforts saved several lives and ensured the prompt recovery of victims.

"The rescue efforts in Sokoto demonstrate the importance of synergy between agencies. In the previous week, NIWA and NEMA were on-site even before other responders arrived, rescuing passengers and recovering victims. This level of dedication illustrates what can be achieved when we work together in unity," Goronyo stated.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda, observing that the administration’s vision and policy direction continue to create a supportive framework for enhanced safety, infrastructure, and service delivery across critical sectors, including water transportation.

The MD of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji thanked the minister for his leadership and assured that the agency would continue to strengthen its operations to protect lives and improve navigation safety on the waterways. 

He announced that the Federal Government is set to receive five new boats in the coming months, including one aluminum and one iron boat designated for deployment to Sokoto State.

The NIWA MD also revealed that immediate measures are being implemented to clear water hyacinth that obstructs free movement on the waterways in the region.

 Additionally, arrangements have been finalised for the distribution of life jackets to riverine communities in the coming weeks.

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