By Correspondent in Lokoja
The Management of the National Inland Waterways Authority to commiserate with the government and people of Niger State, particularly the families of those that lost loved ones in the recent boat mishap at Kija in Munyan Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement signed by Dr. George N. Moghalu, the Managing Director/CEO of NIWA in Lokoja on Tuesday,the Authority said it was particularly pained by the unwarranted loss of lives and property due to disregard for established rules and regulations guiding passenger ferry operations in the country.
The NIWA boss said:” For safety reasons, night sailing is banned; the use of life jackets and other life-saving appliances is mandatory, even as over-loading of boats is a criminal offence. Yet boat skippers and crew are fond of flouting these rules.
“Nevertheless, NIWA will continue to engage in aggressive enlightenment and education of ferry operators and passengers alike.
“While extending our condolences, once again, we shall investigate this incident to unravel the immediate and remote causes, with a view to preventing a re-occurrence of similar incidents.
” We wish therefore to urge boat operators to abide by all safety requirements.”
