By Abbas Nazil
In a renewed effort to enhance safety on Nigeria’s waterways, the Federal Government has donated 2,300 life jackets to maritime operators across nine local government areas in Kogi State.
The donation, made through the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), is aimed at addressing the persistent challenges of boat mishaps and the resultant loss of lives, particularly along the River Niger and other water routes in the state.
The distribution was flagged off in Lokoja by the Kogi State Project Coordinator of N-HYPPADEC, Engr. Joan Ogwuche, who emphasized the government’s concern over increasing cases of boat capsizing and deaths due to the absence of proper safety equipment.
She reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to ensure the safety of lives and properties on Nigerian waterways, describing the initiative as a proactive measure to prevent future water transportation accidents.
Ogwuche announced that the life jackets would be distributed across Lokoja, Kogi, Omala, Ajaokuta, Idah, Ibaji, Igalamela, Ofu, and Adavi Local Government Areas.
She appealed to maritime operators to make proper use of the life jackets, stressing that the personal flotation devices are not meant for decoration but for protection.
The Commission, she said, would continue to monitor the usage of the life jackets to ensure compliance and would not tolerate negligence.
She further called on relevant agencies including the National Inland Waterways Authority and the Marine Police to collaborate with N-HYPPADEC in the enforcement of safety protocols on waterways.
Her remarks echoed the Commission’s concern about “naked travel” — a term used to describe passengers traveling without safety gear, which has often contributed to fatalities during accidents.
Speaking at the event, the District Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union, Alhaji Abdullahi Bala Yusuf, commended the initiative, promising that beneficiaries would make optimal use of the life jackets.
He decried the high-risk behavior of many boat users who travel without safety equipment and said that such practices must come to an end.
Also present at the event was the Vice Chairperson of Lokoja Local Government Area, Hon. Patricia Balogun, who represented the LGA Chairman.
She thanked N-HYPPADEC for the donation, noting its importance in safeguarding lives and promoting a culture of safety in marine transportation.
The Marine Police Department welcomed the donation and assured that the use of life jackets would now be strictly enforced, promising that it would no longer be business as usual for erring operators.
The flag-off ceremony concluded with the symbolic presentation of the life jackets to representatives of the nine benefiting local government councils and maritime operators, marking a significant step towards safer water travel in Kogi State.
