TIMELINE: 326 died in boat accidents in 2024 — 8.67% increase from 2023

After the tragic boat mishaps in 2023 that claimed over 300 lives, one would ordinarily expect swift action to address the disaster.

Unfortunately, the situation has only worsened.

The Nigerian waterways have gradually turned into death traps, claiming the lives of countless innocent citizens who are simply trying to make a living or go about their daily activities.

In 2023, a two-part investigation by TheCable revealed how regulatory failure is fueling the death of innocent citizens on the Nigerian waterways. Yet, not much has been done since then.

In 2024, about 326 persons died from boat mishaps, with Niger and Kwara states having the highest number of casualties of 92 and 90, respectively.

While this figure does not exhaustively represent boat accidents in the country, below is a timeline of reported incidents from January to December.

January 8: While many were still in the celebratory spirit of the New Year, a boat conveying about 50 passengers from Kogi to Onitsha in Anambra capsized, claiming eight lives.

The wooden engine boat was reportedly rammed into a snag on the water channel.

January 10: Barely two days after the first incident, 20 people were reportedly killed in another boat accident in Rivers state.

The mishap, which occurred within the Andoni waterways, was said to have involved two boats bound for Andoni/Bonny.

January 16: Eight persons were confirmed dead after a boat conveying 100 passengers from Borgu district in Niger state to a market in the neighbouring Kebbi state capsized.

February 22: A commercial boat carrying 17 persons rammed into a high-tension pole in the water, causing it to capsize and claiming two lives.

February 27: Three people were confirmed dead in a boat accident in the Ibeshe/Ikorodu area of Lagos state.

April 10: Five people, including popular Nollywood actor Junior Pope Odowodo, lost their lives in a tragic boat mishap in Anambra.

The boat conveying actors to a movie set was said to have capsized with only seven persons rescued.

June 23: A boat mishap claimed the lives of two brothers who were fishermen at Kippo village in Mokwa LGA of Niger state.

July 8: A 20-passenger boat en route to Hadin village in Kwalgai village, Auyo LGA of Jigawa, capsized, claiming two lives.

The incident was said to have been caused by powerful waves and overloading, which hindered the driver from steering the canoe.

August 9: Not less than 20 people died after a cargo boat conveying traders (mostly women) capsized along the Ezetu I community in southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa.

The boat, sailing to Swali in Yenagoa, was said to have sunk in the middle of the river after its engine exploded and caught fire.

August 11: Four persons died in a boat accident at Dundaye community in Wamakko LGA of Sokoto.

August 22: At least four persons, mostly women, lost their lives after a boat mishap occurred in the Mayo Ranewo area of Ardo-Kola LGA of Taraba.

August 25: A fifteen-seater speedboat capsized at the Okubie community of Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa, claiming one life.

September 6: Four people, mostly farmers, died in a boat accident in Lafia East LGA of Nasarawa.

Due to the bad road network, they were said to have been forced to travel through the waterways from Alogani village to the Ashangwa market in the state.

September 14: At least 41 persons reportedly lost their lives in a boat accident in Gummi town in Gummi LGA of Zamfara state.

The boat was said to be conveying more than 50 passengers before its wreckage.

October 1: About 60 persons were confirmed dead after a boat conveying about 300 persons capsized in the Gbajibo, Mokwa LGA of Niger state.

The boat, which was said to be overloaded, was conveying passengers from the Mundi community to Gbajibo to mark the Mawlid celebration.

October 3: Ninety persons were confirmed dead in a boat accident in Gwajibo Mudi community in Kaiama LGA of Kwara state.

October 8: A boat collision reportedly killed five persons sailing from Ebutte Ero to the Badagry area of Lagos.

November 27: A boat mishap along Bennett Island in Warri South LGA was said to have claimed the lives of five persons.

November 29: Twenty-two people were confirmed dead in the boat accident that occurred in the Agaie LGA of Niger state.

The victims, mostly farmers and traders, were said to be sailing from Kogi state to the Katcha weekly market.

December 16: About 20 people died after a boat conveying passengers capsized in Agatu LGA of Benue state.

The victims, mostly women and children, were said to be returning to Nasarawa state after attending the Ocholonya market in Benue.

Meanwhile, on October 3, President Bola Tinubu ordered the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to investigate rising boat accidents nationwide.

Tinubu asked the agency to prosecute boat operators violating the night sailing ban.