The National Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has announced plans to gradually phase out wooden boats across member states to curb the frequent boat mishaps that often result in loss of lives and property.
This initiative, aimed at enhancing marine safety, was disclosed by the Commission’s Managing Director, Abubakar Yelwa, during an interview in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
According to Yelwa, many accidents on the waterways are due to the inability of aging wooden boats to handle wave pressure, especially during the rainy season. Represented by Malam Nura Wakil, the Head of Press and Public Affairs, Yelwa emphasized that these wooden boats have limited lifespans, and when they outlive their seaworthiness, they become hazardous to passengers and the overall safety of the waterways.
To address this issue, N-HYPPADEC is replacing wooden boats with more durable fiberglass alternatives. The Commission has already begun distributing fiberglass boats to member states, with the number of boats allocated based on the intensity of boat usage in each area. Yelwa expressed hope that this effort would encourage state governments to invest in water transportation as a crucial part of national transport infrastructure.
The distribution of fiberglass boats will continue annually until all wooden boats are phased out. Yelwa highlighted the advantages of fiberglass boats, noting that they are safer, more durable, and require less human effort to navigate, thereby reducing the risk of accidents caused by human error.
“The federal government, under President Bola Tinubu, is committed to revolutionizing marine transportation and has started clearing obstructions on the River Niger from Kebbi to Niger State, with plans to extend these efforts to other areas under the Commission’s purview. “
Yelwa explained that these obstacles, including tree trunks and stones, often impede movement and contribute to waterway accidents.
