From Rashidat Suleiman, Minna
Niger state Government says commissioning of these fibreglass boats in collaboration with National Hydroelectric power producing areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) is a pathway to improved community development in the state.
This was made known by the Governor of Niger state Muhammed Umaru Bago through his Deputy Comrade Yakubu Garba at the 2024 world Maritime Day and distribution of Fibre Glass Boats at N- HYPPADEC headquarters, Minna.
The Governor acknowledged that boats are more than just vessels, saying they are symbols of progress, resilience, and hope for a brighter future.
” This will facilitate the movement of goods and services, strengthen our trade networks, and enhance community connectivity”.
The Governor affirms that this project will validates the need for strategic partnerships so that this administration can unlock sustainable economic development for all.
This will contribute to improved livelihoods of the people, particularly those in riverine communities who depend on maritime activities for their daily activities.
He emphasized that this is safer, more reliable transportation, farmers and traders can reach markets more efficiently, and our people can access essential services with greater ease.
Speaking, the Managing Diirector, National Hydro-electric power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, disclosed that
Since inception in 2021, the Commission has been consistent in its efforts to improve the lives of the people in our member states.
The theme for this year’s World Maritime Day – “Navigating the Future: Safety First” align perfectly with the vision of N-HYPPADEC.
The Managing Director stated the primary goals has been to enhance marine transportation and mitigate the recurrence of boat mishaps, which have plagued these communities for many years.
“As many of you know, the majority of N-HYPPADEC communities are riverine, and for these communities, water transportation is not just a means of travel but the backbone of their daily life and commercial activities” he said
Abubakar sadiq explained that the traditional wooden boats that many rely on are often prone to accidents , stressing the wooden boats can easily damage, and their susceptibility to sinking makes them dangerous, especially in harsh weather conditions or turbulent waters.
He added that it is against this backdrop thatJYPPADEC took this bold step to procure and distribute these thirty-three (33) modern fiber glass boats to the ten affected states.
“They boats are more durable, safer and offer superior performance in navigating rivers”.
while caling l on traditional authorities and other relevant stakeholders in the beneficiary communities to monitor and ensure judicious use of the vessels,as boats are not simply a gift they are a responsibility we must ensure that they are maintained properly.
The Numbers of Fibreglass boats to be distributed to 10 HYPPADEC states are Kaduna , Gombe, plateau each one, Nasarawa, Taraba two each, Benue three, Kwara and kogi four each, kebbi six and Niger state eight.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Niger State Commissioner for Transport, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta and her Benue State counterpart, Barr Omale Oga Mathew who spoked on behalf of the Commissioners for Transport Forum, commended N-HYPADDEC for the initiative and called for more collaboration with States.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Niger State Association of Boat Operators, Alh. Attahiru Bawa Isah appreciated N-HYPADDEC for the intervention and called for more synergy as well as the establishment of water and rescue Marshals to complement the activities of water Marshals.