ISSUES IN THE SOKOTO WATERWAY TRAGEDY

The Sokoto waterway tragedy has resulted in the confirmed deaths of fewer than 25 people, with several others still missing after a boat capsized last Sunday. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) director general, Zubaida Umar, stated that the agency responded to the incident involving a boat carrying 50 passengers at Goronyo Market.

The recurring tragedy highlights the need for stakeholders to be more concerned about safety measures. The National Inland Waterways (NIWA) is investigating the accident, pointing to overcrowding as a usual suspect in such incidents.

NIWA, established in 1997, manages the nation's 3000 navigable waterways, including rivers and lakes. The lack of regulatory oversight and operational standards in water transportation is a major concern, with calls for stricter enforcement and the provision of emergency services along waterways to prevent future tragedies.