The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has launched a new safety campaign, code-named “One Man, One Life Jacket,” aimed at ensuring full compliance with the compulsory use of life jackets by boat operators and passengers on inland waterways.

Flagging off the campaign at the Zumba waterfront in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, the NIWA Area Manager, Mr Akapo Adeboye, said sustained sensitisation and strict enforcement of waterways safety regulations—particularly the use of life jackets—had significantly reduced human casualties from boat mishaps across the state.

He disclosed that a boat mishap recorded in Zumba in 2025 resulted in the death of 10 passengers, all of whom were not wearing life jackets at the time the boat capsized.

One of the boat operators, Abdullahi Alhaji Ango, said strict adherence to safety rules, including avoiding overloading, refraining from night travel and the compulsory use of life jackets, had helped reduce boat mishaps at the Zumba waterfront. (Daily Trust)