WATER TRANSPORT SAFETY: FG/ Taraba State Delivers Life Jackets
Oru Leonard
In a direct continuation of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s resolve to make waterways safe, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in collaboration with the Taraba State Government, has significantly bolstered water transport safety. Today, a crucial consignment of life jackets was officially handed over to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Jalingo Area Office. This marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing campaign to minimize waterway accidents across Taraba State.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Director, Marine Conservation, Innovation and Technology, Hussieni Shettima emphasized the federal government’s unwavering dedication, on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
“This handover underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering safer inland water travel,” Shettima stated, expressing confidence that the combined efforts of federal and state agencies would lead to tangible, life-saving outcomes on Taraba’s waterways.
The successful distribution of thelife jackets is anticipated to significantly enhance the safety of the thousands who depend on the Benue, Donga, and Taraba rivers for their daily commute and commerce.
According to him, the lasting impact of the vital intervention hinges on consistent adoption by the community, continuous public awareness campaigns, and robust regulatory enforcement.
Given the crucial role inland waterways play in Taraba State’s mobility and economy, the provision of essential safety equipment like life jackets has the potential to be a game-changer. This proactive measure is expected to dramatically reduce preventable accidents and, ultimately, save lives.
So far the States visited include: Niger. Bayelsa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Delta, Kwara and Taraba.
Attendance include: Executive Director, State Emergency Management Agency, Adamawa, Benjamin Bala, Director Legal, (rep) Managing Director, National Inland Water Ways Authority, Nasiru Biyankare, Commissioner Humanitarian Services, Saviour Noku, Director, Marine Conservation Innovation & Technology, (rep.) Honourable Minister, Marine and Blue Economy, Husseini Shettima, Permanent Secretary, Special Duty/Humanitarian Services, Urera Ibrahim Gadu, , Area Manager, NIWA, Adamawa, Nana Jika Asmau and others from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
(FMM&BE Press)
