Kogi Government Distributes 2,500 Life Jackets to Maritime Workers.

By: Sa’adatu Mohammed Jumai.

The Kogi State Government has distributed 2,500 life jackets to members of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) as part of efforts to strengthen waterway safety and reduce accidents across the state.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Atuluku Victor Levi, stated this on Wednesday at the commissioning and distribution ceremony held at the Nigeria Police Marine Department, State Headquarters, Lokoja.

Atuluku described the initiative as a significant milestone in the state’s transportation sector, stressing that beyond the provision of safety equipment, strict enforcement of navigation rules and proper use of life jackets remained critical to preventing avoidable tragedies on the waterways.

He said the state government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and other stakeholders, was committed to creating a safer transportation environment where the lives of passengers, boat operators and maritime workers would remain a priority.

The Commissioner expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiatives aimed at improving safety and protecting lives on Nigeria’s waterways, while appealing for more interventions of similar nature.

He also commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to public safety, adherence to navigation regulations and the socio-economic development of riverine communities across Kogi State.

The State Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Abdullahi Bala Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Kogi State Government and the Ministry of Transportation for the timely intervention.

Yusuf described the distribution as a significant achievement for the union, assuring the government that the beneficiaries would make proper use of the life jackets and comply strictly with water traffic regulations. He also appealed for additional safety equipment and continued collaboration.

In his goodwill message, the Area Manager, NIWA Dockyard, Titus Adoga, commended the state government for the initiative and congratulated the maritime workers on the intervention.

He assured the government of the authority’s continued synergy and collective efforts toward reducing waterway accidents and improving safety.

The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mouktar Atimah, reiterated the agency’s commitment to working with the Ministry of Transportation, boat operators, communities and other stakeholders to strengthen water safety, public awareness, emergency preparedness and response.

He described life jackets as one of the simplest and most effective ways of reducing fatalities during boat accidents and other water-related emergencies, urging all operators to strictly observe navigation rules.

The State Coordinator of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), Dr. Michael Omeiza Ajayi, described the intervention as timely and life-saving, particularly for people whose livelihoods depend on water transportation.

“N-HYPPADEC will always support every developmental stride of the state,” he said, urging beneficiaries to complement government efforts by promoting safety on the waterways.

Ajayi also called on the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Marine Police to strengthen enforcement of navigation rules.

The Officer-in-Charge of the Marine Police Command, SP Ali Usman, appreciated the state government for the donation, noting that its timing was particularly commendable given the high volume of water on the waterways.

He stressed the need for strict compliance with water traffic regulations and disclosed that efforts were underway to establish a mobile court to sanction violators and serve as a deterrent to others.

He also called for stronger synergy among the Marine Police, NIWA and other relevant agencies to ensure effective enforcement.

The representative of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Fumilayo Ibikunle, commended the initiative, describing it as evidence of the commitment of the Federal and State Governments to protecting lives, particularly in communities that depend heavily on waterways for transportation and daily activities.

She assured the state government of the Red Cross Society’s continued support for disaster preparedness and safety initiatives.

The event climaxed with a practical demonstration on the proper use of life jackets and other waterway safety measures.