From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The Non-State Actors (NSAs) component of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Jigawa State extends its deepest condolences to the Government and people of Jigawa State, particularly the families that lost their loved ones in the recent tragic boat accident that claimed over 40 precious lives.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Co-Chair Open Government Partnership (OGP) Non-State Actors Jigawa State, Comrade Isah Mustapha and made it available to news men.
The statement described the incident as another painful reminder of the recurring boat disasters that continue to affect riverine communities across the State. Over the years, dozens of lives have been lost annually in similar accidents involving farmers, traders, women, school children, and other rural residents who depend on waterways as their primary means of transportation, especially during the rainy season.
According to the statement, available reports indicate that the leading causes of these recurring tragedies include: Overloading of boats and canoes beyond their carrying capacity; Failure of passengers and operators to use life jackets; Lack of adequate rescue and emergency response equipment; Rising water levels and flooding during the rainy season; Strong winds and adverse weather conditions; and Limited public awareness of basic water transportation safety measures.
The statement said, this avoidable tragedies have become an annual occurrence in several riverine communities across Jigawa State, demanding urgent, coordinated, and sustained government intervention.
“The OGP Non-State Actors commend the Jigawa State Government for demonstrating commitment towards addressing this challenge through the 2026 Approved Budget, which provides ₦400 million for the procurement of speed boats under the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), as well as an additional ₦30 million for the procurement of safety equipment and emergency response gadgets. This investment represents an important step towards strengthening emergency response and protecting lives in vulnerable communities.
“However, budgetary allocation alone will not save lives unless it is implemented promptly and effectively. Every rainy season that passes without these interventions exposes thousands of citizens to avoidable risks”.
Accordingly, the OGP Non-State Actors respectfully call on the Jigawa State Executive Council to:
Direct the relevant agencies to immediately commence the procurement process for the approved speed boats, life jackets, rescue equipment, and other emergency response facilities to ensure timely deployment before the peak of the flooding season.
Prioritize the equitable distribution of life-saving equipment to all identified high-risk riverine communities across the State.
Launch sustained community sensitization campaigns on safe water transportation practices, particularly on the dangers of overloading boats and travelling during adverse weather conditions.
Strengthen the enforcement of water transportation safety regulations by ensuring that boat operators who violate established safety standards are appropriately sanctioned.
Establish community-based water transport safety committees to support compliance, emergency response, and public awareness at the local level.
The Open Government Partnership is founded on the principles of transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and responsive governance. Protecting the lives of citizens through the timely implementation of approved public investments is consistent with these principles and demonstrates the government’s commitment to leaving no one behind.
“We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives the shortcomings of those who lost their lives, grants them Aljannatul Firdaus, gives speedy recovery to those injured, and grants their families, communities, and the entire people of Jigawa State the strength and patience to bear this irreparable loss”, the statement said.
