The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Minna Operations Office, paid a courtesy visit to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) office in Niger State.
The NEMA team was led by the Head of Operations Mr. Hussaini Isah along with other Management team were warmly received by the Area Manager, Mr. Adeboye .O. Akapo covering Niger and Kwara State along with members of his management.
The purpose of the visit was to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, particularly in the areas of disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness and discuss proactive measures to address recurring boat mishaps in the states.
In his opening remarks Mr. Hussaini Isah emphasized the need for improved coordination, particularly in riverine communities where water transportation is a major means of mobility. The discussion focused on the causes of frequent boat accidents, the importance of safety compliance, and the role of sensitization campaigns in reducing such incidents.
The two organizations explored areas of partnership in Data sharing, Training of staff, Joint Assessment, disaster risk reduction, emergency response planning, public awareness on water safety protocols.
NEMA highlighted the need for timely information sharing and community engagement, while NIWA expressed its readiness to support enforcement of safety regulations and training for local boat operators.
This collaborative effort underscores the shared responsibility of government agencies in ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens, especially those living in riverine areas and flood-prone. The visit ended with a renewed commitment to work together towards preventing future mishaps and enhancing emergency preparedness across Niger States.
