Kogi Distributes 2,500 Life Jackets To Maritime Workers To Boost Waterway Safety
The Kogi State Government has distributed 2,500 life jackets to members of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) as part of efforts to improve waterway safety and reduce boat accidents across the state.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Atuluku Victor Levi, disclosed this on Wednesday during the commissioning and distribution ceremony held at the Nigeria Police Marine Department, State Headquarters, Lokoja.
Atuluku described the initiative as a significant milestone in the state’s transportation sector, stressing that the provision of safety equipment must be complemented by strict enforcement of navigation regulations and proper use of life jackets.
He said the state government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and other relevant stakeholders, remained committed to creating a safer transportation environment for passengers, boat operators and maritime workers.
The commissioner commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiatives aimed at improving safety on Nigeria’s waterways, while appealing for more interventions to protect lives and support communities dependent on water transportation.
He also praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to public safety, compliance with navigation regulations and the socio-economic development of riverine communities across Kogi State.
The State Chairman of the MWUN, Abdullahi Bala Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Kogi State Government and the Ministry of Transportation for the intervention.
Yusuf described the distribution as a major achievement for the union, assuring that beneficiaries would make proper use of the life jackets and comply with water traffic regulations. He also appealed for additional safety equipment and continued collaboration with the government.
In his goodwill message, the Area Manager, NIWA Dockyard, Titus Adoga, commended the state government for the initiative and assured it of continued collaboration towards reducing waterway accidents.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mouktar Atimah, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working with the Ministry of Transportation, boat operators, communities and other stakeholders to strengthen water safety, public awareness and emergency response.
Atimah described life jackets as one of the simplest and most effective measures for reducing fatalities during boat accidents and other water-related emergencies, urging operators to strictly observe navigation rules.
The State Coordinator of N-HYPPADEC, Dr. Michael Omeiza Ajayi, described the intervention as timely and life-saving, particularly for residents whose livelihoods depend on water transportation. He urged NIWA and the Marine Police to strengthen enforcement of navigation regulations.
The Officer-in-Charge of the Marine Police Command, SP Ali Usman, also commended the government for the donation, noting that it came at a critical period given the high volume of water on the state’s waterways.
Usman disclosed that efforts were underway to establish a mobile court to sanction violators and deter further breaches of water traffic regulations. He called for stronger cooperation among the Marine Police, NIWA and other relevant agencies.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society representative, Fumilayo Ibikunle, described the initiative as a demonstration of the commitment of both the Federal and State Governments to protecting lives, particularly in communities that rely heavily on waterways.
The event ended with a practical demonstration on the proper use of life jackets and other waterway safety measures.
