By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., on Wednesday led a team of investigators and senior officials on an on-the-spot safety assessment visit to Wadata in Benue State following the recent boat accident that claimed 11 lives.
The visit is part of the Bureau’s ongoing efforts to assess safety conditions surrounding the incident, gather first-hand information, and engage key stakeholders in line with its mandate of accident prevention and transport safety advocacy.
Upon arrival in Makurdi, the NSIB delegation was received by the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr. Barr. Samuel Ode, MNI, on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia. The team later met with Governor Alia after commencing investigative activities and activating family assistance protocols for victims and families affected by the tragedy.
During the meeting, Governor Alia commended the NSIB for its prompt response and called for a stronger and more sustained presence of the Bureau in Benue State to support safety advocacy and risk-reduction initiatives along the River Benue.
The governor emphasized the need for increased public awareness, improved operational safety standards, and enhanced stakeholder engagement to strengthen safety outcomes across the state’s waterways.
Responding, Capt. Badeh welcomed the governor’s request and reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to collaborating with state governments and relevant stakeholders to promote safer transportation systems nationwide.
“The NSIB welcomes every opportunity to collaborate with state governments, local communities, operators and regulators in advancing transport safety. We remain committed to exploring practical avenues for institutionalizing safer navigation on the River Benue and across Nigeria’s inland waterways,” he said.
Addressing journalists during a media briefing, the NSIB Director General expressed condolences to the government and people of Benue State, particularly the families who lost loved ones in the accident.
He described the tragedy as a stark reminder of the need for greater safety consciousness and stricter compliance with safety measures on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
“Our thoughts are with the families and communities affected by this unfortunate accident. Every loss of life is one too many, and while each occurrence presents its own circumstances, many accidents can be prevented through greater safety awareness, responsible operational practices, and stronger collaboration among regulators, operators and waterway users,” Badeh stated.
He explained that the visit was aimed not only at understanding the circumstances surrounding the accident but also at strengthening engagement with communities that depend on water transportation for their daily livelihoods.
“We are here to listen, learn and engage directly with those who operate and use these waterways. Safety is a shared responsibility, and sustained public education remains one of the most effective tools for reducing risks and preventing accidents on our waterways,” he added.
Following the engagement at the Government House, the NSIB team proceeded to Wadata along the banks of the River Benue, where they met with community leaders, residents, boat operators and representatives of the Boat Operators Association.
The interactions provided investigators with valuable first-hand accounts of the incident and offered deeper insight into local water transport operations, prevailing safety practices and operational challenges faced by operators and passengers.
According to the Bureau, findings from the visit will support its evidence-gathering process and ongoing efforts to determine the factors surrounding the accident. The exercise is also expected to inform future safety recommendations and contribute to broader initiatives aimed at strengthening safety culture across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The NSIB reiterated its commitment to advancing transportation safety through independent investigations, targeted safety advocacy and the development of recommendations designed to prevent future occurrences and protect lives across the nation’s transport systems.
The Bureau said further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
