*appeals for Waterways safety framework
By Ogalla Daniel
The Kogi State House of Assembly, has appealed to the State Government to develop and implement a comprehensive waterways safety framework following the tragic boat mishap that claimed 28 lives in Onugwa, Ibaji Local Government Area, on September 30, 2025.
The appeal was contained in a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Deputy Speaker and Member representing Ibaji Constituency, Hon. Comfort Egwaba, during Tuesday’s plenary in Lokoja.
Hon. Egwaba described the incident, which occurred on the River Niger, as “a matter of utmost urgency and grave concern,” lamenting the loss of women, children, and traders who were on their way to Illushi Market in Edo State for economic activities vital to their livelihoods.
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She noted that the ill-fated boat was carrying over 80 passengers, out of which 28 lost their lives, 44 were rescued, while several others remain missing.
The lawmaker expressed worry that such boat accidents are recurrent in Ibaji and other riverine areas due to poor regulation, absence of safety measures, lack of life jackets, overloading, and the poor state of boats and jetties.
“The continued neglect of riverine infrastructure and safety protocols poses an existential threat to our people. Government must act decisively to protect lives and improve water transport safety.”
The Deputy Speaker commended local volunteers, community leaders, and emergency responders for their prompt rescue efforts but stressed that more coordinated and preventive measures were urgently needed.
She appealed to the State Government, through the Ministries of Transport and Health in collaboration with SEMA, HYPPADEC, and other agencies, to provide immediate relief to affected families.
The lawmaker highlighted the development of a waterways safety framework to include; provision of standard life jackets, regular inspection and registration of boat operators, enforcement of passenger limits and safety rules, construction and rehabilitation of jetties and the establishment of rapid response units for waterways safety.
While calling on the house to mandate it’s Committee on Transport to assess the state of water transport facilities in riverine areas and report back with actionable recommendations, Hon. Egwaba, appealed to development partners, donor agencies, HYPPADEC, and Federal Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to support the state’s efforts in enhancing water transport safety.
The motion received wide support from members, with the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, commending Hon. Egwaba for her timely intervention and assured that the Assembly would continue to support initiatives that promote the safety and wellbeing of all citizens.
