Ibrahim Muhammad
The Open Government Partnership (OGP) Non-State Actors in Jigawa State has called for the immediate implementation of approved water transportation safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
In a statement signed by the Co-Chair of the OGP Non-State Actors, Isah Mustapha, while sympathizing with the victims of the recent Canoe mishap in Malamawar Yandutse that claimed the lives of ten person, 23 rescued, others still missing.
The group described the incident as a painful reminder of the recurring boat disasters that continue to claim lives in riverine communities across the state.
According to the statement, many of the victims of such accidents are farmers, traders, women, schoolchildren, and other rural residents who rely on waterways as their primary means of transportation, particularly during the rainy season.
The group identified overloading of boats, failure to use life jackets, inadequate rescue and emergency response equipment, rising water levels and flooding, adverse weather conditions, and poor public awareness of water transportation safety as the major causes of the recurring tragedies.
While commending the Jigawa State Government for allocating ₦400 million in the 2026 budget for the procurement of speed boats under the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and an additional ₦30 million for safety equipment and emergency response gadgets, the OGP Non-State Actors stressed that the allocations would only make a difference if implemented without delay.
“Budgetary allocation alone will not save lives unless it is implemented promptly and effectively. Every rainy season that passes without these interventions exposes thousands of citizens to avoidable risks,” the statement said.
The group urged the Jigawa State Executive Council to direct relevant agencies to immediately begin the procurement of approved speed boats, life jackets, rescue equipment, and other emergency response facilities before the peak of the flooding season.
It also called for the equitable distribution of life-saving equipment to high-risk riverine communities, sustained public sensitisation campaigns on safe water transportation, stricter enforcement of safety regulations against erring boat operators, and the establishment of community-based water transport safety committees to promote compliance and improve emergency response.
The OGP Non-State Actors noted that protecting citizens through the timely implementation of approved public investments aligns with the principles of transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and responsive governance promoted by the Open Government Partnership.
The group prayed for Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives, speedy recovery for the injured, and strength for the bereaved families and the people of Jigawa State to bear the loss.
