Traditional Ruler Advocates Zero Tolerance For Waterway Safety Offenders Amid Rising Accidents

The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, has urged the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to intensify enforcement of waterways safety regulations and prosecute those who endanger lives by violating these laws.

This appeal follows a series of deadly boat accidents in Niger State and across Nigeria, raising urgent calls for comprehensive reforms in the inland water transport sector.

According to a statement , Alhaji Abubakar expressed profound concern over the frequent loss of lives in preventable water mishaps. He blamed widespread indiscipline among boat operators and passengers, such as overloading, carrying excess goods, and neglecting life jackets, as key contributors to these tragedies.

The traditional ruler likened the dangers of overcrowded boats to overloaded road vehicles, emphasizing the critical importance of ensuring every passenger wears a life jacket before departure. He stressed that government directives must be backed by strict enforcement and legal action against offenders to bring about meaningful change.

Alhaji Abubakar also proposed deploying trained safety officers at major water departure points to inspect vessels and monitor compliance with safety standards.

He called for community involvement—engaging traditional leaders, youth groups, and transport unions—in safeguarding water transport safety, especially in rural and riverine areas where government supervision is limited.

Highlighting the need for proactive intervention, the Etsu Nupe insisted the focus should shift from offering condolences post-accident to preventing such incidents through rigorous enforcement.

He further advocated for public awareness campaigns to educate passengers on their right to safe travel and responsibility in adhering to safety measures, noting that passengers must hold operators accountable by refusing to board unsafe vessels.