The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has dispatched an emergency rescue team to locate missing passengers after a merchant boat capsized in the waters of Ebe community, Kupa South Local Government Area, Kogi State, in the early hours of Friday, November 29, 2024.

According to NIWA’s preliminary findings, the wooden boat was en route to Katcha market in Niger State when it sank due to poor visibility and overloading. While the exact number of passengers and casualties remains unclear, the incident occurred at approximately 1 a.m. after the vessel departed an abandoned jetty in an attempt to evade NIWA’s surveillance.

NIWA’s Managing Director, while expressing shock over the tragedy, stated.

“We are shocked by this incident despite all our efforts to sensitize Nigerians about safety measures on waterways. Not quite long, we unveiled the National Waterways Transportation Code, engaged communities and stakeholders to adopt our safety strategies, and collaborated with State governors to provide safe watercraft for transportation. Sadly, this incident has occurred.”

To address the situation, NIWA has set up an investigation panel to determine the cause of the accident, the number of passengers on board, and the identity of the boat operator. The agency has also assured that both the boat captain and the owner will face legal action for breaching extant waterway laws.

The top management of NIWA is currently overseeing rescue operations and ensuring survivors receive urgent medical attention. Additional updates will be provided once the investigation is concluded.

This incident underscores the persistent challenges of ensuring compliance with safety protocols on Nigeria’s waterways, despite ongoing efforts to curb accidents and enhance water transport safety.