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NIWA Provides Speed Boat For Rescue, Surveillance In Niger Community 

As part of efforts to fulfill its mandate, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has launched PB Port Harcourt Fibre Patrol, surveillance and safety boat on Kanji Lake Malale Waterways in Niger and Kwara states.


NIWA-

NIWA-

 

As part of efforts to fulfill its mandate, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has launched PB Port Harcourt Fibre Patrol, surveillance and safety boat on Kanji Lake Malale Waterways in Niger and Kwara states.

The NIWA Managing Director, Dr George Moghalu, was represented by the deputy director in charge of navigation, Captain Abdulkadir Abu, at the commissioning ceremony in Malale on Friday.

He advised water users to avoid night journeys and desist from boarding without life jackets. According to him, about 30 people died this year in boat mishaps. He, however, said that due to cutting of water stocks, removal of water logs, and sensitization, accidents occurring on the Kainji Lake have reduced.

NIWA Area Manager Niger/Kwara states, Mr Akapo Adeboye, in his welcome address, said that the speed boat will be used for rescue, security, and safety of the water users in the communities with surveillance and safety agents.

 

Adeboye added that this would stop the infiltration of foreigners through the waterways into the country, overloading, over speeding hence the boat has the capacity of two 115 horsepower engines.

He urged the two states to take useful advantage of their waters for economic growth.

On his part, the Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, represented by the Commissioner for Transportation, Zakari Mohammed reiterated the commitment to the state government in partnering with all stakeholders in enhancing the safety and protection of its citizens.

While commissioning the boat, the Emir of Borgu, Barrister Mohammed Dantoro, represented by the Wazirn Borgu, Sa’ad Abdulkareem, appreciated the kind gesture.

The monarch promised to maximize the boat to the benefit of the communities.