The Federal Government has distributed 35,000 life jackets to riverine states as part of its 2025 waterway safety intervention, while urging state governments to phase out wooden boats used for commercial transportation to reduce recurring accidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, renewing calls for stricter enforcement of safety standards across the country’s waterways.
According to the minister, the life jackets were provided to boost safety awareness, emergency preparedness and compliance with basic regulations among waterway users, particularly in riverine and coastal communities where boat transport remains essential.
Oyetola said the intervention followed frequent boat mishaps nationwide, many of which have led to loss of lives and property.
“Our goal is simple: to prevent avoidable deaths on our waterways. The distribution of 35,000 life jackets is part of deliberate efforts by the Federal Government to protect lives and promote a culture of safety in water transportation,” he said.
He stated, however, that accidents have continued to occur, largely due to non-compliance with safety rules, including refusal to wear life jackets, night travel, overloading and the continued use of rickety wooden boats for commercial operations.
The minister warned waterway users to take personal responsibility for their safety, urging passengers to insist on wearing approved life jackets before embarking on any journey.
“Passengers must refuse to board overloaded or unsafe boats. No journey is worth risking your life. Wearing life jackets is not optional; it is a lifesaving necessity,” he said.
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Oyetola also called on state governments to complement federal efforts by enforcing existing regulations, providing additional life jackets and investing in safer alternatives such as fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium boats.
He explained that wooden boats, still widely used in many riverine states, are prone to rapid deterioration, structural failure and capsizing.
“Wooden boats deteriorate quickly due to constant exposure to water. They crack, leak and collapse, especially when overloaded. Most of them lack basic safety features,” he said.
The minister stressed that improving safety on Nigeria’s waterways would require coordinated action and strong political will at both federal and state levels.
“Water transportation is a critical component of our blue economy. But it must be safe, regulated and sustainable. Through measures like life jacket distribution and the adoption of safer boats, we can significantly reduce these tragic incidents and protect our people,” he added.
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