N-HYPPADEC Donates Four Fiberglass Boats, Safety Jackets To Kogi State Government

The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has officially handed over four operational fiberglass boat engines, along with safety life jackets, to the Kogi State Government as part of its commitment to improving marine transportation and community safety in riverine areas.

The donation, received by Kogi’s Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Atuluku Victor Levi, aligns with Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo’s administration’s policy to enhance comfort, affordability, and safety in the state’s water transport sector.

Mr. Michael Omeiza Ajayi, the Acting State Coordinator of N-HYPPADEC, emphasized the commission’s ongoing efforts to uplift host communities, particularly by addressing challenges in inland water travel and anticipating the 2025 predicted floods, which these boats would help mitigate by facilitating movement of people and goods.

The commission has also provided life jackets to maritime operators and community unions, underscoring safety as a paramount concern.

Hon. Levi assured that the state government would utilize the boats effectively, maintaining high standards in marine transport regulation and infrastructure improvements.

Speaking before the officially handing over, the Kogi State Commissioner For Transport, Hon. Atuluku Levi, spoke about the attention the State Government has made in the marine transportation sector.

He assured of government commitment to making the water transport system of the State affordable, comfortable and safe.

The Commissioner said the administration of Gov Usman Ahmed Ododo has made improved infrastructure, stricter regulations, and increased public awareness on marine transport a priority.

He added that the measures focuses on preventing accidents, minimizing casualties, and promoting responsible behavior on waterways.

The Commissioner expressed the appreciation of the State Government to the N-HYPPADEC, assured of effective utilization of the boats.

Also speaking, Alh. Abdullahi Bala Yusuf, District Maritime Chairman, lauded the immeasurable contributions of N-HYPPADEC to improving safety and ease of doing business on the waterways sector in the State, assured of effective utilization of the boats and life safety jackets.

Meanwhile, district maritime leaders praised N-HYPPADEC’s contributions to safety and ease of navigation on the state’s waterways. This initiative forms part of a broader regional effort by N-HYPPADEC to modernize riverine transportation and reduce accidents across its member states.

Highlights of the event was the official handing over of the boats, life jackets.