The umbrella body of civil society organizations in Kogi State, KONGONET, has bemoaned the tragic boat mishap in Ibaji Local Government Area which claimed 36 innocent lives and left survivors traumatized.
In a statement issued by the Chairperson, Hamza Aliyu, on Friday, Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET) called on the management of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to initiate long-term reforms in the marine transport sector to reduce the frequency of boat accidents in the country.
KONGONET also called for immediate relief for the victims of the boat mishap.
The statement noted that this unfortunate incident adds to a recurring history of boat accidents in Kogi State, particularly in riverine communities where water transport remains a vital means of mobility and trade.
“While accidents can occur, the frequency and severity of boat mishaps in Kogi State are no longer within acceptable exceptions. Survivors and families of victims deserve both immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term structural solutions to prevent further tragedies.
“The Ibaji boat tragedy is a painful reminder of the urgent need for both immediate humanitarian support and systemic reform in Kogi’s marine transport sector,” the statement read.
In the long term, KONGONET urged Kogi state government to establish a Marine Transport Regulatory Framework in partnership with riverine communities and civil society.
It also urged the government to enforce compulsory use of life jackets, passenger limits, and night-time travel restrictions.
KONGONET called for deliberate investment in modern water transport infrastructure including safer boats, designated terminals, and emergency rescue stations, as well as strengthen coordination among transport unions, local governments, and safety agencies to ensure compliance.
It tasked government to integrate disaster risk reduction strategies into the state’s development planning, particularly for vulnerable riverine LGAs.
KONGONET also called on the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and relevant government bodies to immediately provide urgent relief materials, psychosocial support, and medical care for survivors.
“They should also extend support to families of victims through emergency grants and counseling services. Most importantly there should be deployment of safety teams to monitor high-risk river crossings in Ibaji and other LGAs.”
KONGONET expressed solidarity with the affected families and commits to working with stakeholders to ensure that such preventable disasters become a thing of the past.
