It is imperative for every living being to be protected from harm and undesirable outcomes. As noted in an earlier chapter, the Federal Government, decades ago, constructed dams for power generation in Nigeria, including the notable Kainji, Shiroro and Jebba dams. This led to a massive relocation of people who live on the banks of the rivers Niger and Kaduna to pave way for the operations the dams. The affected communities were exposed to ecological and socio-economic challenges with many forced to struggle daily for a means of livelihood, upon relying on the water resources for survival. Water transportation in these communities has been a necessity but with dire consequences in many instances. Over the years hundreds of lives were lost to incessant boat mishaps, that have become regular experiences.

In 2021, a catastrophic boat mishap occurred on river Niger in Wara, Kebbi State where over one hundred and twenty passengers sadly lost their lives when a wooden boat with over one hundred and eighty passengers capsized after hitting a tree trunk in the river. Only victims with life jackets or those who held onto floating objects were rescued.  About the same time thirty-five passengers also lost their lives in Shiroro on River Kaduna in a similar circumstance. This is caused mainly because of the presence of heavy waterlogs on the lakes that reserve water for the hydroelectric dams as result of negligence to safety measures. This was barely two months into Yelwa’s tenure in office. However, the pioneer Managing Director was not deterred by the teething process of the young Commission but, swiftly swung into action by setting up a technical committee to review circumstances around the incessant boat mishaps. Amongst factors identified as responsible for boat accidents and loss of lives on water transportation were heavy presence of water snags, poor conditions of boats, boat overloading and the negligence of safety instructions by the boat operators like the use of life jackets. These account for a significant percentage of losses in lives and property recorded to the menace of boat accidents across the country.

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