By Anthony Nwachukwu
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has commiserated with the Kogi State government and families of victims of Thursday’s tragic boat accident in Kupa Ebbe Village in Kogi State.
A letter from the ministry’s Head, Press and Public Relations, Muhammad Tahir Zakari, quoted Oyetola to say: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this unfortunate incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”
It added: “The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirm dedication to ensuring the safe operation of our waterways and hence are collaborating with not just the Kogi State Government but all states and relevant stakeholders to mitigate the risk of further casualties along our waterways.”
Commending the swift response of NIWA and Kogi State Government in rescuing some survivors, he charged NIWA to enforce compliance with its Waterways Transportation Code and prosecute offenders.
He further called on boat operators, traditional and community leaders to drive the process of ensuring that their communes desist from boats rides between dusk and dawn, noting that the government alone cannot drive the process.
