Niger State boat safety rules get tougher as government vows to prosecute operators ignoring life jackets after fatal mishap

Niger State boat safety is now at the heart of a strict government enforcement drive after a tragic boat mishap claimed 13 lives in Zumba.

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The state government has vowed to sanction and prosecute boat operators who fail to ensure passengers wear life jackets, a rule meant to prevent recurring water accidents.

Commissioner of Transport, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, expressed dismay that passengers in the recent tragedy refused to use the 150 life jackets her ministry had earlier provided to Guni boat operators.

She appealed to traditional leaders and the boat operators’ association to enforce compliance, warning that defaulters will face stiff penalties.

During a condolence visit, Commissioner of Lands and Survey Maurice Magaji and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mairo Mohammed Mann, urged the community to accept the loss while stressing better supervision and waterway maintenance.

Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to saving lives and properties, calling for community collaboration in ensuring safer waterways.

The bereaved families received N200,000 each, alongside 50kg of rice and maize.

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An additional 50 life jackets were distributed to the boat operators’ association, reinforcing the government’s resolve to turn this tragedy into a wake-up call for lasting change.