Munya LGA Chairman Calls For Tougher Boat Safety Measures Amid Rising Mishaps

Harboursandport.com: Munya, Niger State — August 13, 2026: In response to a surge in boat accidents across riverine communities, the Chairman of Munya Local Government Area, Aminu Najume, has urged residents to strictly adhere to water transportation safety protocols, warning that negligence continues to cost lives.

Speaking during a fact-finding mission on the causes of boat mishaps in the region, Najume highlighted the dangers of night travel, overloading, and failure to wear life jackets—practices he said remain prevalent despite ongoing sensitisation efforts.

“Many passengers who wore life jackets during recent incidents were rescued, while those who didn’t tragically lost their lives,” Najume told journalists. “The Ministry of Transport and the state government have provided life jackets, but some residents still prioritize transporting goods over their own safety.”

To combat the recurring tragedies, Munya LGA has established a social department with five desk officers tasked with visiting vulnerable communities, especially during the dry season, to educate residents on safe water travel and discourage building homes close to riverbanks.

Despite these efforts, boat mishaps persist. Najume recounted a recent accident in Kuchi, where an overloaded engine boat carrying grains, livestock, machinery, and passengers capsized after striking underwater vegetation. While several lives were saved thanks to the use of life jackets, others drowned.

Looking ahead, the chairman announced plans to personally lead a post-bye-election tour of riverine communities to reinforce safety messages in local dialects. He also called on the Niger State Government to provide ferries, which he described as safer and more efficient alternatives to canoes and wooden boats.

“A ferry will reduce risks, generate revenue, and allow for continuous safety enforcement at boarding points,” Najume said.

He welcomed the deployment of water marshals to monitor jetties and advocated for penalties against passengers who refuse to wear life jackets. Najume also stressed the importance of collaboration between Munya and neighboring Shiroro LGAs, citing their shared waterways, market access points, and cultural ties.