Labour Party seeks stricter laws after Niger boat tragedy

By John Alechenu, Abuja

The Labour Party (LP) has called on authorities to enact stricter laws regulating water transportation in order to prevent a recurrence of tragedies such as the recent boat mishap in Niger State, which claimed nearly 60 lives.

Interim National Chairman of the party, Senator Nenadi Usman, made the appeal in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday while extending condolences to the families of victims.

She described the incident as “one tragedy too many,” noting the alarming frequency of boat mishaps on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

According to reports, the accident occurred at the Malale riverfront in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. The boat, carrying about 90 passengers, had departed Tugan Sule in Shagunu Ward en route to Dugga for a condolence visit when it capsized.

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

She urged authorities to urgently consider more robust legislation and stricter enforcement of safety regulations on waterways, stressing that the recurrent mishaps, particularly in Niger State, demanded immediate 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,” she added.

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