Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu, has commended the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for what he described as its timely and effective response to emergencies in the state.
The Governor gave the commendation on Wednesday 17th September, 2025, while flagging off the distribution of 20 motorised boats and 2,000 life-jackets to riverine communities across Sokoto State. He noted that under the leadership of NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the Agency has maintained global best practices and demonstrated strong presence at the grassroots.
Dr. Ahmad recalled NEMA’s swift interventions during recent boat mishaps in the state, adding that the synergy between NEMA and the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has greatly enhanced disaster management operations.
The Governor explained that the purchase and distribution of the boats and life-jackets was necessitated by the recurrent cases of boat accidents. He revealed that the state had earlier trained boat operators to ensure safe handling and announced that the boats would be distributed to riparian communities across 10 Local Government Areas: Goronyo, Shagari, Sabon-Birni, Wurno, Rabah, Wamakko, Silame, Kebbe, Tambuwal, and Isa.
While admonishing the people to avoid overloading, Governor Ahmad warned that violators would face strict penalties. He directed Local Government Chairmen in the benefiting areas to ensure proper management of the equipment, stressing that they were procured with taxpayers’ money.
The Head of NEMA Sokoto Operations Office, Alhaji Aliyu Shehu Kafindangi who was represented by Assistant Director Planning Mr. Tukur Abubakar, commended the State Government for being proactive in acquiring the boats and life-jackets. He affirmed that the intervention would significantly reduce the frequency of boat mishaps in the state.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, the Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), as well as traditional leaders.
17th September 2025
