A devastating boat accident on Kainji Lake has claimed at least 27 lives, prompting Nigeria’s Federal Government to pledge aid for victims’ families and survivors. The wooden vessel, carrying 138 passengers, capsized along the Shagunu–Dunga axis, exposing ongoing safety challenges on the nation’s waterways.
The tragedy struck on Tuesday when the overcrowded boat, primarily carrying women and children to a condolence visit, sank in Borgu, Niger State. Reuters reports confirm at least 27 fatalities, with dozens rescued by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA). The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) commended NSEMA’s swift response but highlighted overloading and lack of life jackets as key factors, echoing a similar incident in October 2024 that killed 60.
The Federal Government, through Information Minister Mohammed Idris, expressed deep sorrow, noting the tragedy’s timing after recent floods in Mokwa. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) will coordinate relief, working with state authorities to provide food, medical aid, and shelter.
The incident has fueled public outcry over lax waterway regulations, with experts citing poorly maintained boats and weak enforcement as systemic issues. The government’s pledge to launch a nationwide safety campaign via the National Orientation Agency (NOA) aims to curb future disasters. Yet, rural communities, reliant on such vessels, face economic pressures that drive risky practices. The tragedy tests Nigeria’s resolve to enforce safety standards and protect vulnerable travelers. As relief efforts unfold, the nation mourns, hoping this loss sparks lasting reforms to secure its waterways.