Various riverine communities in five local government areas of Niger state have benefitted from the Governor Umaru Bago led government’s initiative to ensure safer inland water transportation, as they were presented five 50-seater metal boats.
It should be recalled that the frequent boat accidents have occurred in the state claiming numerous lives.
The gesture is part of government’s efforts to curb the incessant boat mishap which have claimed lots of lives in parts of the state.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Media and Strategy, Abdulberqy Ebbo disclosed on his X handle @Nupenchi_ , that the Niger State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) delivered the boats as part of Governor Umaru Bago’s initiative to ensure safer inland water transportation, support agricultural activities, and enhance the safety of residents.
After the presentation in Wuya community of Gbako local government area, the General Manager of CSDA, Aisha Abdulkadir explained that the communities requested this intervention due to the dangers posed by the wooden boats previously used, which were prone to damage and not durable on water.
According to Ebbo, during the handover of the operational code to the local government chairmen, Commissioner for Transport Hadiza Kuta highlighted the importance of enforcing water travel regulations and warned that violators would face prosecution.
Some of the benefiting community representatives in their separate remarks, appreciated governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s foresight aimed at curbing future boat mishap in the state.
It could be recalled that recently over one hundred people from the state died in a dastardly boat mishap at Gbajibo community in Mokwa local government area of Niger state hence government intervention and proactive ness for prevent further reoccurrence.
