The Ministry of Transport, Anambra State, in collaboration with IJE Rides Ltd, has held a sensitisation and safety awareness programme on inland waterways transportation at the River Port, NIWA Office, Bridge Head, Onitsha.
Anambra Commissioner for Transport, Mrs. Patricia Igwebuike, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Engineer Michael Obiekwe, In her address, said the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to safe and efficient waterway transport. She noted that the life jackets would help prevent fatalities and enforce safety compliance.
The Chairman Anambra West, local government area, Hon. Fidelis Nnazor, represented by Lady Chinyere Muoya, commended the government for prioritising commuter and operator safety, stressing the need for community involvement in sustaining the initiative.
The Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Onitsha Area Office, Sir Victor Nwokocha, called for transparency in waterway transport administration and praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo for ensuring the life jackets reached the state.
Representatives of IJE Rides Ltd said the company is introducing innovations to make Anambra’s waterways safer, faster, and more reliable. They pledged continued partnership with the state in training and equipping operators.
Speaking on behalf of the boat operators, Mr. Ephraim Daniel thanked the state government for the life jackets and pledged their commitment to adhering to safety rules.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
during the event, 500 life jackets were distributed to boat operators.
