N-HYPPADEC distributes 33 fibreglass boats to riverine states
N-HYPPADEC distributes 33 fibreglass boats
Boats
By Juliet Vincent
The National Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), has distributed 33 fibre glass boats across riverine communities of its member States.
The gesture is aimed at mitigating the challenges faced by riverine communities.
The daylight reporters,reports that Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago inaugurated the fibreglass boats in Minna on Thursday.
The Managing Director, N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa said the distribution of fibre glass boats was part of the commission’s broader vision to revolutionise marine transportation in all its member states.
According to him, the theme for this year’s World Maritime Day – “Navigating the Future: Safety First” aligns with the vision of National Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC).
“Since inception in 2021 the commission has been consistent in its efforts to improve the lives of the people in our member states.
“One of our primary goals has been to enhance marine transportation and mitigate the recurrence of boat mishaps, which have plagued these communities for many years.
“As many of you know, the majority of N-HYPPADEC communities are riverine, and for these communities, water transportation is not just a means of travel but the backbone of their daily life and commercial activities”, he said.
Safiq-Yelwa said it was unfortunate that water transportation system has come with a heavy price as boat mishaps had become recurring issue.
“From the reports we have been receiving, the accidents were as a result of variety of factors.
“They include the presence of tree logs/water snags, which obstruct the safe passage of boats, overloading, night travels as well as failure to use lifejackets by the passengers on board’’, he said.
He said the boats were significant improvement over the traditional wooden boats, adding that they are more durable, safer and offer superior in navigating rivers using minimal human labour.
Sadiq-Yelwa said one of their primary goals of the commission was to enhance marine transportation and mitigate the recurrence of boat mishaps.
According to him Niger State will receive 8 boats, Kebbi 6, Kwara and Kogi are to get 4 each, while Benue has 2.
Taraba and Nasarawa are to get two boats each while Gombe and Kaduna state received one boat each.
States who do not have the need for the boat would be compensated in other areas, according to Sadiq-Yelwa.
He commended Umar-Bago for his visionary leadership, commitment to infrastructure development and the transformation of the state.
Sadiq-Yelwa said: “Your dedication to improving the lives of the people of Niger is evident in every ongoing project and your efforts to revolutionise the city of Minna is commendable.
“Your presence here today underscores your commitment to the concerns and challenges of the riverine communities in the state and other parts of the country.”
Umar-Bago described the distribution of the fibre glass boats as a pathway to community development.
According to him, it will help to facilitate the movement of goods and services, strengthen trade networks and enhance community connectivity.
Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, the governor said the N-HYPPADEC gesture would not only save lives but give a sense of belonging to riverine communities.
The governor explained that his administration would continue to partner N-HYPPADEC to curb the recurring boat mishaps in the state.
The Ddirector, Operations, Alhaji Iliyasu Wara, who was represented by Head of Dams and Operations, Mal. Zubairu Adamu, said the distribution of the fibreglass boats was to ensure efficiency and safety in travel in the riverine communities.
He said the goal was to foster connectivity, improve the livelihood of boat users and promote economic activities across N-HYPADDEC member States.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Niger State Association of Boat Operators, Alh. Attahiru Bawa-Isah appreciated N-HYPADDEC for the intervention.
He called for more synergy as well as the establishment of water and rescue marshals to complement the activities of water marshals.
