The Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET), has called on the management of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to initiate long-Term reforms in the marine transport sector to reduce the frequency of boat accidents in the country.
In a condolence message to the families of the recent boat accident in Ibaji Local Government of Kogi State, which claimed 36 lives, KONGONET Chairperson, Hamza Aliyu, also called for Immediate Relief for the victims of the accident.
He noted that this unfortunate incident adds to a recurring history of boat accidents in Kogi State, particularly in riverine communities where water transport remains a vital means of mobility and trade.
“While accidents can occur, the frequency and severity of boat mishaps in Kogi State are no longer within acceptable exceptions. Survivors and families of victims deserve both immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term structural solutions to prevent further tragedies.
The Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET), the umbrella body of civil society organizations in Kogi State, however expressed deep sorrow over the avoidable tragic boat mishap in Ibaji Local Government Area, which has once again claimed innocent lives and left survivors traumatized.
KONGONET also called on the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and relevant government bodies to immediately provide urgent relief materials, psychosocial support, and medical care for survivors.
“They should also extend support to families of victims through emergency grants and counseling services. Most importantly there should be deployment of safety teams to monitor high-risk river crossings in Ibaji and other LGAs.
In the long term, KONGONET urges the Kogi State Government to establish a Marine Transport Regulatory Framework in partnership with communities and civil society organizations.
He added that the regulatory agencies must enforce compulsory use of life jackets, passenger limits, and night-time travel restrictions, and as well Invest in modern water transport infrastructure including safer boats, designated terminals,
emergency rescue stations and Strengthen coordination among transport unions, local governments, and safety agencies.
Aliyu equally stressed that the agency must ensure compliance and Integrate disaster risk reduction strategies into the state’s development planning, particularly in the vulnerable riverine LGAs
In conclusion, Aliyu said “the Ibaji boat tragedy is a painful reminder of the urgent need for both immediate humanitarian support and systemic reform in Kogi’s marine transport sector. KONGONET stands in solidarity with the affected families and commits to working with stakeholders to ensure that such preventable disasters become a thing of the past.