Buhari seeks stricter adherence to waterway safety regulations

By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has tasked authorities in the transportation sector to ensure stricter adherence to safety regulations on the nation’s waterways to prevent further loss of lives.

The President, who gave the instruction on Monday in a statement issued from the State House in Abuja, also assured the people of Niger State of his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and stability to the state.

The President’s message was in reaction to the boat mishap in Tijana village of Munya council area of Niger State over the weekend, which claimed not less than 28 lives of those believed to be internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The President, who expressed sadness over the incident and extended his sympathies with the families of victims of the boat mishap, also prayed quick recovery for the wounded.

“President Muhammadu Buhari expresses immense grief on the boat mishap in Tijana village of Munya Local Government Area of Niger State and extends his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the dead and the injured.

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“According to the President, this incident is more disheartening as the victims were reportedly Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

“Commending the life-saving work of the first responders and local divers at the scene of the incident, the President wishes the wounded a speedy recovery and success on the search and rescue of some missing passengers on the capsized boat.

“President Buhari calls on the transportation authorities to ensure strict adherence to safety regulations on the nation’s waterways and urges that lessons from this accident should help prevent a future occurrence.

“He assures residents of Niger State that restoring long term stability and peace is a core objective of the Federal Government, working with the State government and other critical stakeholders in the local communities,” the statement said.