Dozens missing after yet another deadly boat mishap in Nigeria’s rainy season.
Zig Diaries Human Interest
Date: Monday, 18 August 2025
Time: 10:00 WAT
Location: 📍 Sokoto, Nigeria
Authorities say at least 40 people are feared dead after a market-bound boat capsized in Sokoto’s Goronyo area on Sunday.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
confirmed that 10 passengers were rescued while search and rescue operations
are ongoing in Goronyo.
According to a statement by the National Emergency
Management Agency (NEMA), the boat was ferrying passengers to a local market
when it overturned on the River Rima.
Boating accidents are frequent across
Nigeria’s inland waterways, especially during the rainy season, often linked to
overloaded and poorly maintained vessels.
Only last month, another passenger
boat capsized in north-central Nigeria, killing at least 25 people. Data
compiled by local media outlet TheCable
shows that at least 326 Nigerians lost their lives in boat accidents in 2024.
Analysts warn that most boats operate
without basic safety gear such as life jackets and accuse regulators of weak
enforcement of maritime safety laws.
Background
Context:
Nigeria has one of the world’s deadliest inland waterway records. Between 2018
and 2023, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Nigerian media
estimates put annual boat accident deaths between 200-500.
States along the Niger and Benue rivers, including Niger, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Kwara, are worst hit.
Despite repeated government pledges, inland water transport safety remains underfunded, with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) struggling to enforce rules in remote communities.
Experts say investment in modern ferries, community training, and compulsory life jacket distribution are urgently needed to reduce fatalities.
🏷️Tags: Nigeria, Sokoto, Boat Accident, NEMA,
Rainy Season, Maritime Safety, NIWA
#ZigDiariesTragedy #Sokoto #Nigeria
#BoatAccident #WaterwaySafety
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