Nenadi Usman seeks stricter waterways legislation after Niger state boat mishap

Nenadi Usman, acting chairperson of a faction of the Labour Party (LP), has called on the authorities to implement stricter regulations and stronger legislation to prevent similar disasters on Nigeria’s inland waterways

The former minister of finance was reacting to the boat mishap in Borgu LGA of Niger state that has claimed at least 60 lives.

Abdullah Arah, director-general of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), said the boat was carrying about 90 passengers when it capsized on Tuesday at Gausawa in Malale ward.

The vessel left Tungan Sule in Malale on Tuesday morning, reportedly heading to Dugga for a condolence visit, when it struck a submerged tree stump near Gausawa community.

The NSEMA director-general added that overloading contributed to the accident. He also confirmed 29 deaths, 50 rescues, and two people remain missing following the tragedy.

Reacting to the tragedy on Thursday, Usman described the accident as “deeply unfortunate and heart-wrenching,” noting that those travelling to offer condolences became victims themselves.

“It is with a heavy heart that I received the tragic news of the recent boat mishap in Niger State, where initial reports put the death toll at about 29, but has now, regrettably, risen to nearly 60 lives lost,” Usman wrote on X.

“This is one tragedy too many, and the frequency with which we record such mishaps on our inland waterways should be a matter of grave concern to all Nigerians.

“According to the information at my disposal, the incident occurred at the Malale riverfront in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

“The ill-fated boat, carrying about 90 passengers, departed Tungan Sule in Shagunu Ward, Borgu LGA, en route to Dugga for a condolence visit when the tragedy struck.

“It is deeply unfortunate and heart-wrenching that people on a journey to sympathize with others became victims of a calamity themselves.

“I, therefore, use this moment to call on the relevant authorities to urgently consider more robust legislation and stricter regulation of our inland waterways.

“The recurrent boat mishaps in Nigeria—particularly in Niger State, where such tragedies have become very frequent—demand immediate and decisive action.

“On behalf of the entire Labour Party family, I extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the government and people of Niger State, and indeed all Nigerians, on this national tragedy.”

The incident adds to a string of fatal boat accidents in the state, marking the second major mishap on its waterways since July.

On July 27, 25 people lost their lives after a boat conveying traders and goods capsized in Gunu village, Shiroro LGA of the state.

Between September 2024 and July 2025, no fewer than 90 people lost their lives in similar mishaps across Shiroro, Mokwa, Katcha and Lapai LGAs.