Kwara boat tragedy, one too many
both the inadequacy of regulation and poor enforcement standards in Nigeria’s transportation system. Beyond condolences and recycled promises, the state government must mete out stiff punishment to everyone found culpable. All state governments should learn critical lessons from this and other boat disasters and enforce preventive measures.
Already, the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority has identified human error as the cause of the crash. Specifically, NIWA’s Managing Director, George Moghalu, said aside from overloading, which was a major factor: no passenger wore a life jacket. Again, the vessel was on the water at 2.30am, despite standard regulations that boats should not operate beyond 6pm. These are three serious infractions!
Nigeria must change its governance template to match global standards. There must be consequences for such fatal dereliction of duty. Gabon’s transport minister, Brice Paillat, resigned after a ferry accident in March 2023 claimed 21 lives. Four other senior government workers were also suspended. The state and local authorities in Patigi must also answer for their negligence.
The accident was pathetic. A farmer, Mohammed Modu, lost 10 family members, including father, mother, stepmother and five brothers. A survivor, Aisha Mohammed, lost three daughters, who were preparing for their marriage. Some of the women died while trying to save their children.
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