Capt.Alex Badeh jr second from right

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., on Wednesday, led a team of investigators and senior officials of the Bureau on an on-the-spot safety assessment visit to Wadata, Benue State, following the recent boat accident that claimed 11 lives.

The visit forms part of the Bureau’s ongoing efforts to assess the safety conditions surrounding the accident, gather first-hand information, and engage with key stakeholders as part of its broader commitment to accident prevention and transport safety advocacy.

Upon arrival in Makurdi, the NSIB delegation was received by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Barr. Samuel Ode MNI, who welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Hyacinth Alia.

The team subsequently met with the Governor after commissioning investigative activities and activating family assistance protocols for victims and families affected by the accident.

During the meeting, Governor Alia commended NSIB’s swift response. He called for a stronger and more sustained NSIB presence in Benue State to support ongoing safety advocacy and risk-reduction initiatives along the River Benue.

The Governor also stressed the importance of strengthening public awareness, operational safety standards, and stakeholder engagement to improve safety outcomes across the state’s waterways.

Responding, NSIB Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr, welcomed the Governor’s request and reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to working with state governments and relevant stakeholders to promote safer transportation systems in Benue State and across the country.

“The NSIB welcomes every opportunity to collaborate with state governments, local communities, operators, and regulators in advancing transport safety. We remain committed to exploring practical avenues for institutionalising safer navigation on the River Benue and across Nigeria’s inland waterways,” he said.

Addressing journalists during a media briefing, Capt. Badeh expressed condolences to the Government and people of Benue State, particularly the families of those who lost loved ones in the accident.

He described the tragedy as a painful reminder of the need for heightened safety consciousness and stronger compliance with safety measures across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

“Our thoughts are with the families and communities affected by this unfortunate accident. Every loss of life is one too many, and while each occurrence presents its own circumstances, many accidents can be prevented through greater safety awareness, responsible operational practices, and stronger collaboration among regulators, operators, and waterway users,” Capt. Badeh said.

He added that the visit was aimed not only at understanding the circumstances surrounding the accident but also at strengthening engagement with communities that rely on water transportation for their daily livelihoods.

“We are here to listen, learn, and engage directly with those who operate and use these waterways. Safety is a shared responsibility, and sustained public education remains one of the most effective tools for reducing risks and preventing accidents on our waterways,” he stated.

Following the Government House engagement, the NSIB team proceeded to Wadata along the banks of the River Benue, where they met with community leaders, local residents, boat operators, and representatives of the Boat Operators Association.

The interactions provided investigators with valuable first-hand accounts of the accident as well as deeper insight into local water transport operations, prevailing safety practices, and operational challenges faced by operators and passengers in the area.

Findings gathered during the visit will support the Bureau’s evidence-gathering process and contribute to ongoing efforts to determine the factors surrounding the occurrence.

The exercise will also inform future safety recommendations and support broader initiatives aimed at strengthening safety culture across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

The NSIB remains committed to advancing transportation safety through independent investigations, targeted safety advocacy, and the development of recommendations designed to prevent future occurrences and protect lives across the nation’s transport systems.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.