President Bola Tinubu has directed federal agencies to work with the Sokoto State Government after a boat accident in Goronyo Local Government Area that left dozens of people dead.

The President asked the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to support rescue, recovery and relief efforts, while working with state and local authorities to prevent similar accidents.

He also called for stricter enforcement of safety rules on Nigeria’s inland waterways, with particular attention to the use of life jackets, boat registration, passenger limits and monitoring of water transport.

The directive followed Thursday’s accident in Gorau Community, where a boat carrying 77 passengers capsized shortly after setting off.

Police said 46 bodies had been recovered and 15 people rescued alive. Search and recovery operations involving security agencies, emergency workers, local divers and community members were continuing.

Mr Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families of those who died and commended the emergency teams involved in the operation.

He also called for support for affected families and urged authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The President said lessons from the tragedy should be used to improve safety across Nigeria’s inland waterways, particularly in communities where people rely on boats to reach markets, schools and health facilities.