An Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has raised serious alarm over the rising frequency of boat accidents in Nigeria and the high number of casualties that follow. The group lamented that while life is sacred, in Nigeria it is often cut short prematurely, not only by insecurity but also by recurring road and water transportation tragedies.
MURIC stressed that government at all levels must assume full responsibility by enforcing safety measures, including criminalising the boarding of boats without life jackets, investing in modern ferries, and introducing coast guards and waterways services across all 774 local government areas in the country.
The statement was released on Thursday, 4th September, 2025, by MURIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
FULL STATEMENT
“Life is becoming increasingly cheap in Nigeria. Those who are not killed by terrorists, bandits, and armed robbers are now dying regularly in boat accidents. Just yesterday, Wednesday, 3rd September 2025, about 60 people lost their lives in a boat accident near Gausawa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
“The victims were travelling from Tungan Sule in Malale district to Dugga for a condolence visit when their boat struck a submerged tree stump near Gausawa community (Reuters).
“This is not an isolated incident. Recently, a boat carrying over 50 passengers capsized on its way to Goronyo Market in Sokoto State on Sunday, 17th August 2025, resulting in 40 deaths (Al Jazeera). Earlier, on Saturday 26th July 2025, at least 25 people including 10 members of one family were drowned in another tragedy in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State (Premium Times).
“Our hearts go out to the victims, and we extend our condolences to their families.
“Media reports reveal that in the last six years, boat mishaps have been recorded in 25 out of Nigeria’s 36 states. Most of the fatalities include vulnerable groups women and children.
“According to the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), at least 1,204 lives were lost between January 2018 and October 2023 on Nigeria’s inland waterways, averaging 17 deaths per month (ICIR).
“This disturbing trend compels us, as a public-spirited organisation, to speak out. Our governments must think outside the box to save citizens from needless deaths on the waterways. The government must take responsibility.
“The 1999 Constitution (Section 14(2)(b)) clearly states that the primary responsibility of government is the security and welfare of its citizens. It is therefore the duty of both federal and state governments to address these tragedies and prevent further loss of lives.”
MURIC’S RECOMMENDATIONS
Since most of these tragedies are caused by rickety boats operated by private commercial operators, Nigeria’s federal, state, and local governments must invest in modern ferry transportation, as successfully implemented in Lagos State.
Boarding boats without life jackets or operating commercial boats without providing them should be criminalised.
All 774 local governments should train personnel to serve as coast guards and provide effective waterways services.
