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… says loss of lives, property due to disregard for established rules, regulations guiding passenger ferry operations in the country.
The Management of the National Inland Waterways Authority wishes to commiserate with the government and people of Niger State, and in particular, the families of those that lost loved ones in the recent boat mishap that occurred at Kija in Munyan Local Government Area.
The Authority is particularly pained by the unwarranted loss of lives and property due to disregard for established rules and regulations guiding passenger ferry operations in the country. For safety reasons, night sailing is banned; the use of life jackets and other life-saving appliances is mandatory, even as over-loading of boats is a criminal offence. Yet boat skippers and crew are fond of flouting these rules. Nevertheless, NIWA will continue to engage in aggressive enlightenment and education of ferry operators and passengers alike.
While extending our condolences once again, we shall investigate this incident to unravel the immediate and remote causes, with a view to preventing a re-occurrence of similar incidents. We wish therefore to urge boat operators to abide by all safety requirements.
Signed:
Chief Dr. George N. Moghalu Managing Director/CEO 11 May, 2021
