In line with ongoing efforts to ensure safety in the country’s waterways, the Nigerian Government through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in collaboration with the Taraba State Government, has handed over life jackets to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.

The successful distribution of the life jackets is anticipated to significantly enhance the safety of the thousands who depend on the Benue, Donga, and Taraba Rivers for their daily commute and commerce.

Representing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, the Director, Marine Conservation, Innovation and Technology, Hussieni Shettima emphasised the government’s unwavering dedication to waterway safety.

“This handover underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering safer inland water travel,” Shettima stated, expressing confidence that the combined efforts of federal and state agencies would lead to tangible, life-saving outcomes on Taraba’s waterways.

According to him, the lasting impact of the vital intervention hinges on consistent adoption by the community, continuous public awareness campaigns, and robust regulatory enforcement.

Given the crucial role inland waterways play in Taraba State’s mobility and economy, the provision of essential safety equipment like life jackets has the potential to be a game-changer. This proactive measure is expected to dramatically reduce preventable accidents and ultimately save lives.

So far the states visited include Niger. Bayelsa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Delta, Kwara, and Taraba.