By Chris Agabi
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has commiserated with the Kogi State government and the families and victims involved in the recent tragic boat accident that occurred in the Kupa Ebbe Village, Kupa South Local Government area.
The incident occuring during the early hours of Thursday, November 28, 2024.
A press statement signed by Muhammad Tahir Zakari, the
Head, Press, and Public Relations quoted the minister to have tasked the Nigerian Waterways Authority (NIWA) to enforce regulations governing boat usage.
“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” the minister said.
He assured 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 Nigeria’s 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.
While commending the swift response of NIWA and the Kogi State Government that led to the rescue of some survivors, He however charged NIWA to enforce the compliance of “NIWA’s Waterways Transportation Code” and charge erring offenders.
He equally called on boat operators and 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.
