The Federal Government has hailed the swift response of rescue agencies during last week’s boat mishap in Sokoto State, pledging tougher measures to strengthen waterway safety nationwide.
Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, made the remarks on Monday in Abuja after meeting with the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamji, and senior agency officials.
Goronyo praised NIWA and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their coordinated action, which he said saved lives and ensured prompt recovery of victims.
He also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as providing the policy direction needed to improve safety, infrastructure, and service delivery in the transport sector.
Oyebamji, on his part, disclosed that five new boats will soon arrive, with one designated for Sokoto. He added that NIWA is clearing water hyacinth obstructing navigation and will distribute life jackets to riverine communities in the coming weeks.
Reaffirming government’s commitment, Goronyo said regular collaboration with NIWA and other agencies would be sustained to prevent future casualties and ensure safer inland water transport.
