By ebosele@hotmail.com –
The Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., has led a safety assessment visit to Wadata in Benue State following the recent boat accident that claimed 11 lives.
The visit forms part of the Bureau’s ongoing efforts to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and identify measures aimed at preventing similar occurrences on the nation’s inland waterways.
During the visit, the NSIB delegation met with the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, who emphasized the need for a stronger NSIB presence in the state.
The governor noted that enhanced collaboration with the Bureau would help promote waterway safety awareness and support risk reduction initiatives along the River Benue, which serves as a vital transportation route for many communities.
Responding, Capt. Badeh reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to working closely with state governments, local communities, transport operators, and regulatory agencies to strengthen safety standards across Nigeria’s transportation sector.
As part of the assessment, the NSIB team visited the accident scene where they engaged community leaders, boat operators, and residents to obtain first-hand accounts of the incident and evaluate prevailing safety conditions in the area. The interactions provided valuable insights into operational challenges and safety concerns affecting water transportation within the community.
The Bureau expressed its condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the accident, assuring stakeholders that it remains dedicated to advancing transportation safety through independent investigations, stakeholder engagement, and the implementation of preventive safety recommendations.
