FG Mourns Victims of Niger Boat Mishap, Assures Support for Families

The Federal Government has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic boat mishap that claimed many lives in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, pledging immediate and long-term support for the victims and their families. The unfortunate incident occurred on Kainji Lake when a wooden passenger boat, said to be carrying traders and villagers, capsized after hitting a submerged tree stump. Eyewitnesses reported that the vessel was overcrowded, a factor authorities believe contributed to the high casualty figure. Rescue operations, led by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), in collaboration with local divers and volunteers, began immediately after the mishap. Officials confirmed that at least 27 to 30 bodies have so far been recovered, while dozens of survivors were pulled out of the water. However, several passengers remain unaccounted for, as search and recovery efforts continue. In a statement, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described the incident as a “painful national tragedy” and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He said the President had directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials, medical supplies, and other forms of assistance to the affected communities. The minister also revealed that the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has been mandated to launch a renewed public sensitisation campaign on waterway safety, particularly the enforcement of life-jacket use and adherence to capacity regulations on passenger boats. The Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, confirmed that specialised response teams have been dispatched from the agency’s Minna office to support local operations, working alongside the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and state emergency responders. She reassured the public that the federal and state governments are coordinating efforts to ease the suffering of the victims and their families. The Niger State Government, while commending the efforts of local rescuers who responded swiftly to the accident, appealed for additional federal assistance, particularly in areas of medical treatment, burial arrangements, and relief distribution. The tragedy has once again highlighted the persistent safety challenges on Nigeria’s inland waterways. Overloading, poor maintenance of vessels, and lack of enforcement of safety measures have been recurrent causes of boat mishaps across the country. Authorities say this latest disaster underscores the urgent need for stricter regulatory enforcement and public awareness. Prominent Nigerians, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, have joined in mourning the victims and have called for decisive action to prevent future occurrences. Civil society groups and community leaders have equally urged the government to strengthen monitoring, improve docking facilities, and ensure that passenger boats do not operate beyond safe capacity. As rescue efforts continue on Kainji Lake, the Federal Government has assured that every necessary measure will be taken to support the victims’ families and survivors, while also reinforcing policies to enhance safety standards on waterways nationwide.