Abuja, Sept. 12, 2023 – President Bola Tinubu has directed authorities in the maritime sector to investigate incessant cases of boat accidents in the country.
The president gave the order following the Sunday boat accident in Mokwa area of Niger State.
A total of 28 bodies had been recovered from the incident on Monday, while the local communities had been mobilised to search for other missing bodies.
The boat was carrying more than 100 passengers, mostly women and children when it capsized along the Niger River on Sunday morning.
They were travelling to their farmlands in the Gbajibo community about 156 miles from Minna, the state capital.
Tinubu, in a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, his Spokesman, directed government agencies in the maritime sector, including the police to collaborate to find the root causes of recent boat mishaps in the country.
“The President directs various government agencies, including law enforcement, maritime safety and transportation safety authorities to collaborate closely in identifying the root causes of these unfortunate and preventable disasters.
“President Tinubu underscores his commitment to holding government agencies accountable for any regulatory or safety lapses and further instructs a comprehensive review of safety measures and a strict enforcement of existing laws on boating activities in the country.
“The President assures the affected families and communities of the government’s continued support and his commitment to the prevention of such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.” (GBN)
