By Uzor Odigbo
In response to the recent boat mishap in Bauchi State and loss of lives , the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safely Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has stressed the need for reopening of the Lokoja office.
This move is aimed at bringing the maritime apex regulatory agency close to operators and stakeholders along the nation’s inland waterways.
While commiserating with the families of the affected victims, the NIMASA DG in a tweet described the Bauchi boat mishap as unfortunate.
He also directed NIMASA’s safety and management officals to investigate the development and collaborate with the Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Jamoh reiterated the agency’s commitment to constantly educate waterways users on safety standard and environmental issues associated with navigation of the inland waters.
He said, “The recent Bauchi canoe mishap is indeed unfortunate and our hearts go out to all who lost loved ones.
“NIMASA will continue to stress the need for safety on our waters even as we investigate and consider reopening our Lokoja office to bring us closer to inland water vessel operators.”
Jamoh who emphasized NIMASA’s statutory responsibilities for the safety of lives along the brown waters , called for maximum accountability on the part of the operators in dealing with the agency.
Recall that a total of 15 passengers were killed due to the mishap onboard a canoe carrying passengers from Gwaskaram village area heading to the next village, Yola Doka, on a market day.
Three other persons were rescued in the mishap.