The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to 12 selected riverine states to curb the alarming rate of boat mishaps and fatalities in the country’s waterways.
Each of the beneficiary states is expected to receive 3,500 life jackets in the first phase of the strategic safety intervention by the Ministry.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, yesterday, officially flagged off the distribution in Minna, Niger State, noting that the initiative is one of the most comprehensive federal responses in recent times to the persistent loss of lives on Nigeria’s waterways.
Oyetola emphasised that the life jacket distribution is a proactive, life-saving response to the recurring boat accidents, noting that the initiative is one of the most comprehensive federal responses in recent times to the persistent loss of lives on Nigeria’s waterways.
Citing the rising incidence of mishaps due to human error, poor equipment, and non-compliance with safety measures, the Minister called the trend a national emergency and underscored the urgent need for collective action.
He also highlighted the government’s introduction of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations, 2023, also known as the Waterways Transportation Code, aimed at standardising operations, enforcing compliance, and creating a more structured environment for investment and safety.
“This event transcends mere ceremony; it embodies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians who rely daily on our inland waterways,” Oyetola said.
The Federal Government is calling on state authorities, traditional institutions, waterway users, and transport operators to fully embrace the initiative, comply with safety standards, and promote a culture of accountability and preparedness across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Also speaking, the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, who was represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, lauded the Minister for launching the campaign in the state.
He described the state as a “critical focal point” in the battle against waterway mishaps, revealing that Niger State recorded the highest casualties from boat accidents in 2024.
“The state government is determined to address this issue frontally through strict enforcement and proactive intervention,” Sarkin-Daji said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, reiterated the importance of wearing life jackets, noting that while vessel owners and operators are legally responsible for providing them, the government has stepped in to bridge the gap.
“Our mission here today is to reiterate and encourage the use of life jackets by all inland water travellers. Safety on our waters is the first rule and remains a government priority. It deserves the cooperation of all,” Oloruntola stated.
In addition to the life jackets, the Niger State Commissioner for Transport, Hadiza Idris Kuta, expressed appreciation to the Ministry for also donating three passenger boats, a water ambulance, and a patrol boat, through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to bolster the state’s marine safety efforts.
