By correspondent in Minna.
The National-Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), has donated 31 number of fiber glass boats to member states to ease transportation related challenges.
This is coming as boat drivers association in Niger state has lamented deliberate exclusion by the relevant federal and state government agencies in checking flooding, flood disasters and maritime transportation among N-HYPPADEC member states.
Speaking during at the event to mark the 2024 World Maritime day/distribution of boats which took place at it’sheadquarters, Minna the Managing Director of the N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubarkar Sadiq Yelwa said the donation of the 31 boats is part of social responsibilities aimed at alleviating transportation related challenges facing riverine communities in member states.
Meanwhile, members of boat drivers association in Niger state have made a case for their inclusion in efforts to check flooding, flood disasters and everything that has to do with maritime transportation.
The state chairman, Mallam Attahiru Bawa Isah argued that without close working relationship with relevant authorities, it will be difficult to know the challenges members are facing that is causing loss of lives and properties when there are boat mishaps.
Attahiru emphasized that without effective collaboration between government agencies and boat drivers, it would be impossible to identify the challenges they face or address maritime transportation issues effectively.
He urged federal and state governments to engage with boat drivers to tackle persistent flooding and improve all aspects of maritime transport.
While the state government, the federal government and the relevant authorities have been doing their best to improve on the living conditions of riverline communities among member states, Attahiru said boat drivers remained in the dark having little or no knowledge of what is going on in the sector despite being one of the critical stakeholders.
While regretting recurring boat mishaps on annual basis along waterways among member states, Attahiru argued that creating working synergies could bring the trend to barest minimal if not completely stemmed.
He, therefore, wants all the relevant government agencies to consider boat drivers as part of the critical stakeholders that should be carried along in controlling flood disasters and everything that has to do with safety along waterways.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
