Nigeria – Safety on Benue Waterways Non-Negotiable, Says Marine and Blue Economy Commissioner
The Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba, has declared that the safety of lives, property, and critical assets on the state’s waterways remains non-negotiable.
He added that strict adherence to established safety protocols must become a collective responsibility for all operators and stakeholders within the sector.
The Commissioner made this known while receiving the new Area Manager of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Andrew Ndahi, who paid him a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Benue State Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the federal waterways regulatory agency.
Speaking during the meeting held last, Hon. Iyaghigba underscored the critical importance of institutional partnership between the ministry and NIWA, describing the federal agency’s support as indispensable to the state government’s efforts at creating an enabling environment for investors, transport operators, and other stakeholders operating within the marine and blue economy ecosystem.
The Commissioner expressed deep regret over the recent tragic boat mishap at the Wadata crossing point in Makurdi, where no fewer than 11 persons reportedly lost their lives after a passenger boat capsized while crossing the River Benue.
He lamented that the unfortunate incident could have been avoided if operators and passengers had complied with established safety regulations, particularly the compulsory use of life jackets and strict observance of the approved navigation timeframe between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
According to him, government agencies and private operators must intensify efforts toward enforcing compliance measures in order to prevent future occurrences and guarantee safer inland water transportation across the state.
Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Ndahi commiserated with the Benue State Government and the Ministry over the recent boating tragedy, describing the incident as unfortunate and deeply saddening.
The new NIWA Area Manager said his visit was primarily to establish a stronger working relationship with the ministry and explore practical areas of cooperation geared towards achieving the vision and statutory mandate of the authority.
He further emphasized the need to build mutual understanding and operational synergy, while expressing concern over widespread non-registration of boats and unregulated activities by operators, warning that such incoherent practices continue to pose significant safety and regulatory challenges within Nigeria’s inland waterways sector.
Signed:
Lubem Gena, FIIM
Head of Media, Publicity and Orientation
Office of the Honourable Commissioner
