Goronyo Boat Tragedy: Shagari mourns victims, demands urgent safety measures

Alhaji Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, Chairman of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Governing Board, has conveyed profound grief following a tragic boat accident in Gorau Village, Sokoto State, which resulted in multiple fatalities. Shagari characterized the incident as a devastating loss, deeply distressing to the Sokoto State Government, the Goronyo Local Government Area, and the affected communities.

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According to him, the recurring loss of lives through avoidable boat mishaps should serve as a wake-up call to stakeholders to redouble efforts to prevent further tragedies on the nation’s inland waterways.

In a statement, Shagari extended condolences to the Sokoto State Government, the Goronyo Local Government Council, traditional leaders, and the families of the victims. He implored riverine communities across Nigeria to prioritize safety on waterways. Specific warnings were issued against overloading vessels, undertaking journeys during high tides in the early morning, and operating at night when poor visibility poses significant risks.

Shagari highlighted that the recurring loss of life from avoidable boat mishaps should serve as an urgent call to action for all stakeholders to intensify efforts in preventing further tragedies. He noted that NIWA is actively working to elevate safety standards nationwide, including a plan to phase out wooden boats from inland waterways to bolster navigation safety and protect passengers and operators.

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He stressed that government initiatives could only succeed when citizens and boat operators complied with established safety regulations.

The NIWA Board Chairman also called for strengthened collaboration between state governments and NIWA offices, stressing that effective cooperation, information sharing, and coordinated enforcement are crucial for enhancing safety and reducing accidents. He urged citizens and boat operators to support the Federal Government's initiatives for safer waterways, emphasizing that compliance with safety regulations is essential for the success of these measures. Shagari concluded by stating that safeguarding lives on the nation's waterways is a collective responsibility, urging boat operators to prioritize human life over profit and to cease practices that endanger passengers.

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Shagari said the protection of lives on the nation’s waterways must remain a collective responsibility, urging boat operators to place human lives above profit and refrain from practices capable of putting passengers at unnecessary risk.