News

JUST IN: NIWA Bans Unlicensed Boat Operations To Improve Waterway Safety

Published

3 months ago

September 9, 2025

The National Inland Waterways Authority has announced an immediate ban on all loading activities from unauthorised points across the country to curb boat accidents and improve safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji, announced the new directives, saying, “NIWA has placed an immediate ban on loading activities from all unauthorised loading points across the country. No commercial passenger boat shall be allowed to load from any point other than those recognised and registered by NIWA.

“It is mandatory for all commercial boat operators to provide and enforce the use of lifejackets on the boats always. Every commercial passenger boat must properly display its Boat Name Letters and Load line.”

He also gave the directive that “all unlicensed boats and watercraft be removed from the waterways.”

Adding that, “All unlicensed boat drivers and operators are banned from operating any boats or watercraft on the waterways.”

Several deadly inland waterway accidents have occurred in the past six months. For example, in April, a boat carrying traders on the Niger River capsized near Sokun Village in Lapai LGA (Niger State) due to a sudden storm.

Local media reported that
“an unspecified number of traders” drowned when the overloaded boat went down in strong winds. No definitive casualty count was released for that accident, but it underscored the danger of river travel during seasonal squalls.”

“Another occurred in July, in Niger State. A passenger boat laden with rice, livestock, and about 40 people collided with a submerged log and capsized on the Shiroro River (near Zumba market in Shiroro LGA).”

Rescue teams later recovered 15 bodies and identified three more people still missing; 26 passengers wearing life jackets were rescued.

In Sokoto State, two deadly accidents occurred in mid-August 2025. A heavily loaded boat ferrying women, children, and motorcycles to the Goronyo market capsized.

The most recent accident occurred in September in Niger State. A wooden boat carrying mourners to a condolence visit capsized near Gausawa in Borgu LGA on the Kainji Reservoir’s Malale River. More than 27 people were reported to have been confirmed dead.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

2 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

2 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

3 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.