Isiyaku Ahmed
The Open Government Partnership (OGP) Non-State Actors in Jigawa State have expressed deep sorrow over the recent boat accident that claimed more than 40 lives, calling on the state government to urgently implement approved safety interventions to prevent future tragedies.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Co-Chair, Isah Mustapha, the Non-State Actors extended condolences to the Jigawa State Government, the bereaved families, and residents affected by the incident, describing the accident as a painful reminder of the recurring boat disasters that continue to claim lives in riverine communities.
The statement noted that farmers, traders, women, schoolchildren, and other rural residents who rely on waterways as their primary means of transportation remain vulnerable, particularly during the rainy season.
According to the OGP Non-State Actors, recurring boat mishaps are largely caused by overloading of boats, failure to use life jackets, inadequate rescue and emergency response equipment, rising water levels and flooding, adverse weather conditions, and poor public awareness of water transportation safety practices.
The organisation commended the Jigawa State Government for making provisions in the 2026 approved budget to tackle the challenge, including N400 million for the procurement of speed boats through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and an additional N30 million for safety equipment and emergency response gadgets.
It described the budgetary allocations as a significant step toward strengthening emergency response and safeguarding vulnerable communities but stressed that prompt implementation is critical.
“Budgetary allocation alone will not save lives unless it is implemented promptly and effectively. Every rainy season that passes without these interventions exposes thousands of citizens to avoidable risks,” the statement said.
The OGP Non-State Actors urged the Jigawa State Executive Council to immediately commence the procurement of the approved speed boats, life jackets, rescue equipment, and other emergency response facilities to ensure deployment before the peak of the flooding season.
It also called for the equitable distribution of life-saving equipment to high-risk riverine communities, sustained public awareness campaigns on water transportation safety, stricter enforcement of safety regulations against erring boat operators, and the establishment of community-based water transport safety committees to support compliance and emergency response.
The OGP Non-State Actors emphasised that protecting citizens through the timely implementation of approved public investments aligns with the core principles of the Open Government Partnership, including transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and responsive governance.
It prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, speedy recovery for the injured, and strength for the bereaved families and the people of Jigawa State to bear the loss.
