Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has distributed 20 motorised boats and 2,000 lifejackets to rural communities across the state to enhance safety for riverine dwellers who depend on water transport for their daily activities.

At the ceremony in Dundaye village, Wamakko Local Council, Governor Aliyu said the initiative was aimed at safeguarding lives and property.

“We were touched by the recent cases of boat mishaps recorded in some local government areas which claimed lives and destroyed property. I want to use this medium to warn captains of these boats to desist from overloading. Anyone found doing so will be dealt with accordingly,” he cautioned.

He directed the chairmen of the benefiting local councils to ensure proper maintenance and security of the boats, stressing that the state’s huge investment must be protected. He also appealed to passengers to abide by safety regulations to ensure the objectives of the intervention are achieved.

The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of all residents and called for continued support and prayers.

Special Adviser on the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Aminu Liman Bodinga, praised the Governor’s sustained support, noting that the state had spent over N3 billion through NEMA on food and relief items for displaced persons.

Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, also commended the Governor, recalling the purchase of over 70 mass transit buses and taxis to make transport cheaper. He noted that the boats would particularly ease transportation during the rainy season when floods cut off some communities.

On behalf of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Managing Director Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, represented by Muhammad Bello, lauded the procurement, describing Sokoto as the second state after Lagos to make such a move.

Other speakers, including House Leader Bello Idris, representatives of NEMA, the Sultan of Sokoto, and Chairman of Wamakko Local Council Umar Ahmed, also commended the initiative. The ceremony ended with Governor Aliyu and dignitaries taking a test ride on the boats.