By Lubem Gena, Makurdi
A significant milestone drive to enhance safety on inland waterways has been recorded in Benue state as it takes the delivery of life jackets valued at over ₦70 million.
The supply from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy was received at an official ceremony at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi and brought together federal and state stakeholders in the marine and blue economy sector.
The Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barr. Sam Ode, who represented Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, described the safety of commuters and operators along the state’s waterways as a matter of utmost importance to the government.
He stressed that activities on the waterways must be conducted in strict adherence to safety standards to prevent avoidable loss of lives.
Barr. Ode expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the intervention, noting that the initiative would further strengthen intergovernmental relations between Benue State and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
He said the state was counting on the federal ministry to develop a robust inland water transportation system capable of easing pressure on roads and enhancing economic activities.
He also commended the Pioneer Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba, for his outstanding performance, adding that Benue State remained fully committed to contributing meaningfully to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Earlier, Hon. Iyaghigba described the distribution of life jackets as a life-saving intervention rather than a routine government programme.
According to the Commissioner, the exercise reaffirmed the government’s resolve to entrench safety as a non-negotiable standard in water transportation.
He added that the marine and blue economy sector in Benue State and Nigeria was undergoing deliberate transformation aimed at safety, economic inclusion, job creation, and sustainability.
The Commissioner lauded the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, for his visionary leadership and commitment to safety, noting that the intervention reflected the minister’s determination to protect lives and promote responsible economic activities on inland waterways.
Hon. Iyaghigba praised Governor Alia for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, describing the move as visionary and positioning Benue as a pacesetter in the North-Central region.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister, a Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Francis Aba, said Benue State remained critical to inland waterways transportation in Nigeria.
He described River Benue as a vital national asset contributing significantly to economic development but warned of existing security and safety concerns.
He noted that, in line with federal regulations, life jackets and other safety equipment had been deployed, with the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) supporting enforcement.
Mr. Aba urged beneficiaries to treasure and use the jackets consistently, stressing that Benue State was a strategic partner and model for inland waterways development.
He called on residents to ensure that River Benue remained an asset for development and not a corridor of tragedy.
