The minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has commiserated with the Niger State Government and families of those who died in the recent boat accident on Gbajibo River, in Niger State.

This is even as he admonishes boat users to avoid night travels, over-loading, and ensure they put on their live jacket before embarking on any journey however short.

According to the minister, night traveling and over-loading are the major causes of avoidable deaths on our water.

In a statement by his spokesman, Ismail Omipidan, Oyetola who notes that all hands must be on deck to put an end to boat accident, further urges boat users to adhere strictly to the water transportation code.

“I am aware that NIWA embarked on an advocacy campaign recently, warning against the rising water tide, night traveling, over-loading, and the use of live jacket, including deploying its water Marshals to help enforce the transportation code,’ the minister explains.

To this end, the minister has also charged the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to enforce the code to the letter so as to significantly standardize water transportation, minimize accidents, and provide a structured environment for potential investors.

The minister also urges the State Governments, especially the littoral states to brace up to the inevitable responsibility of cooperation and collaboration with NIWA, with a view to putting an end to the incessant accidents on our waters, declaring that all hands must be on deck to put an end to boat mishaps in the country.