Kogi Transportation Commissioner Visits Maritime Workers Union, Reaffirms Commitment to Waterway Safety

By Sa’adatu Jumai Mohammed

Lokoja – The Kogi State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Atuluku Victor Levi, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo-led administration to strengthening safety, compliance, and regulatory enforcement across the state’s waterways.

The Commissioner gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) in Lokoja, where he met with union leaders and other key stakeholders in the maritime sector to discuss measures aimed at enhancing water transportation safety and operational efficiency.

Accompanied by senior officials of the Ministry of Transportation, Hon. Atuluku emphasized the need for operators and stakeholders in the maritime industry to prioritise the safety of passengers and crew members in all operations.

He stated that the state government would continue to strengthen regulatory frameworks and enforce existing safety standards to reduce avoidable boat accidents and safeguard lives and property. He further urged boat operators, transport unions, and other stakeholders to strictly adhere to safety regulations, including the mandatory use of life jackets and other approved safety equipment.

The Commissioner stressed that the success of the government’s efforts to reform and reposition the water transportation sector depends largely on effective collaboration with key stakeholders, particularly the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria.

He assured stakeholders of the government’s determination to develop a safer, more efficient, and economically viable water transportation system capable of enhancing commerce, improving mobility, and promoting the welfare of residents across Kogi State.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Ministry and the Maritime Workers Union to deliberate on the challenges confronting water transportation in the state and to explore practical solutions aimed at improving safety, orderliness, and regulatory compliance on the waterways.

Speaking during the engagement, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Baiyegunsi Samuel Taiwo, highlighted key challenges affecting water transportation and called on the union to complement government efforts in transforming the sector.

Also speaking, the Officer-in-Charge of the Marine Police, SP Ali Usman, called for stronger synergy among the Marine Police, the Maritime Workers Union, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure strict enforcement of safety regulations. He also appealed for improved logistics support to enhance the operational effectiveness of marine security personnel.

Responding on behalf of the union, the State Chairman and Secretary of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Abdullahi Bala Yusuf and Usman Momoh Sani, pledged their continued support for the state government’s initiatives, assuring the delegation of the union’s unwavering commitment to promoting safety and compliance on Kogi waterways.

A major highlight of the engagement was the discussion on modalities for the distribution of life jackets as part of ongoing efforts to reduce incidents of boat mishaps. Stakeholders noted that the initiative reflects the commitment of the Kogi State Government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to revitalise the transportation sector and ensure that water transportation operates in line with nationally accepted safety standards and regulatory requirements.