The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has intensified its response to the boat accident in Benue State, following a high-level safety assessment visit to Wadata. The Director General, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., led investigators to the scene to gather first-hand evidence after the accident that claimed 11 lives. The visit is part of a wider effort to improve inland waterway safety following the boat accident.
The NSIB team was received in Makurdi by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Barr. Samuel Ode, who represented Governor Hyacinth Alia. The Governor commended the swift response to the accident and called for a stronger NSIB presence in the state. He stressed that sustained intervention is necessary to prevent another boat accident along the River Benue and improve operational safety standards.
Governor Alia also emphasised the need for deeper stakeholder engagement following the accident. He urged authorities to strengthen public awareness and enforcement mechanisms. According to him, improving safety culture is essential to reducing future boat accident risks across waterways used by communities for transport and trade.
Responding, NSIB Director General Capt. Alex Badeh Jr. reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to collaboration. He said: “The NSIB welcomes every opportunity to collaborate with state governments, local communities, operators, and regulators in advancing transport safety.” He added that preventing another boat accident requires coordinated action across all levels of water transport management.
Unfortunate Boat Accident Situation
Capt. Badeh also expressed condolences to victims’ families affected by the accident. He described the tragedy as a reminder of the urgent need for stronger safety compliance. “Our thoughts are with the families and communities affected by this unfortunate boat accident,” he said, noting that every loss of life highlights systemic gaps that must be addressed.
He further stated that the visit was not only investigative but also engagement driven. “We are here to listen, learn, and engage directly with those who operate and use these waterways,” he said. He explained that preventing another boat accident depends heavily on education, enforcement, and community cooperation.
Following the Government House meeting, the NSIB team proceeded to Wadata along the River Benue. There, they engaged boat operators, community leaders, and residents to gather first-hand accounts of the accident. The interactions provided insight into local transport conditions and the operational realities that may have contributed to the boat accident.
The Bureau confirmed that findings from the field visit will support ongoing investigations into the boat accident. Capt. Badeh noted that evidence gathered will help shape future safety recommendations. He stressed that preventing another boat accident requires addressing both human behaviour and systemic safety gaps within inland waterway operations.
NSIB also reiterated its broader mandate of advancing transport safety across Nigeria. The Bureau said its commitment goes beyond the current accident, focusing on long-term safety advocacy and regulatory improvements. It added that sustained engagement with communities is critical to reducing the frequency of any future boat accident incidents.
The visit concluded with renewed commitments from stakeholders to strengthen inland waterway safety in Benue State. NSIB emphasised that lessons from the accident will guide future interventions, with a focus on prevention, education, and improved operational standards. The Bureau maintained that preventing another boat accident remains a national priority.
