Benue Boat Tragedy: NSIB DG Leads Assessment Visit as Alia Calls for Stronger Safety Presence
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., has led a team of investigators and senior officials of the Bureau on an on-the-spot safety assessment visit to Wadata in Benue State following the recent boat accident that claimed 11 lives.
The visit, which took place on Wednesday, was part of the Bureau’s efforts to assess safety conditions surrounding the accident, gather first-hand information and engage key stakeholders as part of broader initiatives aimed at preventing future occurrences and promoting transport safety.
The Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, Mrs Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, disclosed this on Thursday in a statement.
According to the statement, the NSIB delegation was received on arrival in Makurdi by the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ode, who welcomed the team on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The delegation later met with Governor Alia after commencing investigative activities and activating family assistance protocols for victims and families affected by the accident.
During the meeting, the governor commended the Bureau’s swift response and called for a stronger and more sustained NSIB presence in Benue State to support safety advocacy and risk-reduction initiatives along the River Benue.
Alia also stressed the need to strengthen public awareness, operational safety standards and stakeholder engagement to improve safety outcomes across the state’s waterways.
Responding, Badeh welcomed the request and reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to collaborating with state governments and relevant stakeholders to promote safer transportation systems.
“The NSIB welcomes every opportunity to collaborate with state governments, local communities, operators, and regulators in advancing transport safety. We remain committed to exploring practical avenues for institutionalising safer navigation on the River Benue and across Nigeria’s inland waterways,” he said.
Addressing journalists during a media briefing, the NSIB boss expressed condolences to the Benue State Government and the families of those who lost loved ones in the accident.
“Our thoughts are with the families and communities affected by this unfortunate accident. Every loss of life is one too many, and while each occurrence presents its own circumstances, many accidents can be prevented through greater safety awareness, responsible operational practices, and stronger collaboration among regulators, operators, and waterway users,” Capt. Badeh said.
He explained that the visit was aimed not only at understanding the circumstances surrounding the accident but also at strengthening engagement with communities that depend on water transportation for their daily activities.
“We are here to listen, learn, and engage directly with those who operate and use these waterways. Safety is a shared responsibility, and sustained public education remains one of the most effective tools for reducing risks and preventing accidents on our waterways,” he stated.
The NSIB team later visited Wadata along the banks of the River Benue where they met with community leaders, residents, boat operators and representatives of the Boat Operators Association.
The interactions, according to the Bureau, provided investigators with valuable first-hand accounts of the accident and deeper insight into local water transport operations, prevailing safety practices and operational challenges faced by operators and passengers.
The Bureau said findings from the visit would support its evidence-gathering process and contribute to efforts to determine factors surrounding the accident, while also informing future safety recommendations aimed at strengthening safety culture across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
