The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has commiserated with the families of victims of recent boat mishaps in Yobe and Lagos states, while reiterating the need for strict adherence to safety measures on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The authority expressed its condolences in a statement issued on Sunday in Lokoja by its Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr Suleiman Makama.
Makama said NIWA received with deep concern reports of the unfortunate incidents, which occurred after a prolonged period of relative safety on the nation’s inland waterways.
“The authority commiserates with the families of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate accidents. NIWA shares in their grief and remains committed to intensifying surveillance activities and safety campaigns to ensure safer waterways,” he said.
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He disclosed that in response to the incidents, NIWA had mobilized relevant facilities and personnel, in collaboration with sister agencies, to support ongoing rescue operations, particularly in Yobe State.
Makama urged all waterways users to strictly comply with safety regulations to prevent avoidable tragedies.
“It is important to remind Nigerians that the ban on night sailing remains in force. No passenger boat is permitted to operate on inland waterways beyond 6.00 p.m.
“It is also an offense to travel without wearing a standard life jacket. Boat operators are further reminded to avoid over-speeding and overloading at all times,” he said.
According to him, NIWA has commenced investigations into the causes of the accidents in collaboration with relevant agencies, adding that appropriate actions would be taken upon completion of the investigations.
It was reported that at least 25 persons were confirmed dead, 13 rescued, while 14 others remained missing after a boat capsized on the Yobe River in Garbi town, Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 7:48 p.m. on Saturday, when the boat was traveling from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru LGA of Yobe.
Similarly, on Dec. 30, 2025, a passenger boat operated by Savvy Marine was involved in a mishap at about 8:35 p.m. along the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun water channel in Lagos State.
