Community Participation Key to Water Safety: Traditional leaders, youth groups, and transport unions are urged to join the campaign against recklessness on water

Community Participation Key to Water Safety: Traditional leaders, youth groups, and transport unions are urged to join the campaign against recklessness on water

By prince Benson Davies

The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, has urged the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to enforce waterways safety laws strictly and prosecute offenders to prevent fatal boat accidents in Niger State and other parts of Nigeria. Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Bida on Wednesday, he expressed frustration over recurring boat mishaps due to indiscipline among boat operators and passengers. Issues include overloading vessels, exceeding cargo capacity, and neglecting life jackets.

Alhaji Abubakar emphasizes the need for more than symbolic enforcement of safety laws.
that Every passenger should be provided with and compelled to wear a life jacket and their should be Public Awareness Campaigns to Educate passengers on safety rights and responsibilities is crucial for preventing accidents.