As part of efforts to enhance safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the federal government has donated 3,500 life jackets to the Ogun State Government for use by waterways operators across the state.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the donation on behalf of the federal government on Monday, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to ending preventable deaths on waterways. He was represented at the event by the Director of Maritime Services in the Ministry, Dr. Mercy Ilori.
Oyetola said the initiative is part of a national strategy to instil a culture of safety and reduce boat mishaps nationwide. “This is one of the most comprehensive federal responses to the persistent loss of lives on Nigeria’s waterways,” he said.
The Minister noted that similar distributions had taken place in Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Taraba, and Lagos States. “We are now in Ogun State to sustain the momentum and demonstrate the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and livelihoods,” he added.
He described the rising frequency of boat accidents as a national concern and said the Ministry has aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to tackle the menace.
The strategy, he said, rests on three key pillars: strict enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023; continuous public education and sensitisation; and the provision of critical safety equipment such as life jackets.
He acknowledged the vital role of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in implementing this strategy, particularly in regulating and monitoring water transport activities.
Receiving the items, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, assured that the life jackets would be fairly distributed to registered waterways operators across the state.
Dairo emphasised that safety on waterways is not a privilege but a fundamental right of every resident, and pledged the state’s continued support for enhancing water transport as a viable and secure alternative to road travel.
“Safety on the waterways is not a privilege, it is a right. Every life jacket handed over today represents a life potentially saved, a family preserved, and a future secured. This initiative aligns with the human capital development pillar of our administration’s ISEYA agenda, ensuring that people remain at the heart of our progress
“Ogun State values the synergy we have fostered with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and applauds their dedication to the development of marine infrastructure, safety standards, and the blue economy as a whole. Ogun State stands ready and willing to provide all the necessary support to sustain this momentum, not only in marine safety but also in enhancing inland waterways as viable and secure alternatives to road transport.”
“To our waterway users, boat operators, fishermen, and residents of our riverine communities: these life jackets are for you. But more importantly, the knowledge and awareness you will gain from this sensitisation effort will serve as your daily companion, protecting you and helping you protect others.
“Ogun State hereby assures the Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy and NIWA that these life jackets will be equitably distributed to verified and recognised operators across the state’s waterways, from Iwopin to Ebute-Ero, from Agbara to Tongeji, Imakun Omi to Ode-Omi, and other active riverine corridors. A strict monitoring and maintenance protocol will be enforced to ensure sustainability and accountability.”
The state governor, however, warned that State actors would not allow preventable tragedies to define the nation’s way of war.
“As we continue to embrace innovation and development in transportation, we must also embrace accountability and responsibility. Let us not allow preventable tragedies to define our way of life, let us instead champion the principles of safety, respect for life, and collective vigilance.”
However, the Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, warned that the issue of safety on the inland waterways cannot be overemphasised, as he recounted several tragic incidents that claimed lives in hundreds.
“The issue of safety can never be over-emphasised. On June 12, 2023, a wooden boat carrying wedding guests returning from a marriage ceremony from Niger State capsized in Jeva Channel Lake, in River Niger in Kwara State, owing to overloading and a submerged tree.
“The boat was reported to be carrying over 200 guests despite having the capacity of carrying just less than 100 passengers. More than 200 lives were lost, among which a father and four of his children were involved. So you can imagine the kind of tragedy that befell the family.
“Again, in October 1, 2024, a wooden boat carrying mostly women and children traveling for religious festive occasions capsized in Niger State. The boat was reported to be carrying over 300 passengers, even though it has the capacity of carrying less than 100 passengers. More than 100 lives were lost.”
The NIWA Managing Director, who was represented by Engr. Elsie Egwuatu observed that in the respective cases, the boats were heavily overloaded, sailed at night without the proper navigational aids and conveyed passengers without life jackets.
“So if you think safety is expensive, try disaster. Over 90 percent of accidents that happen on our waterways are caused by human error. In most cases, it is caused by the captain’s negligence. The newly gazetted Marine and Transport Regulations Codes, which spell out offences and punishments, ranging from a fine to imprisonment, mandate the compulsory use of life jackets for all waterways users sailing on our waterways,” she added.
Also speaking, the National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Alhaji Tarzan Balogun, called for intensified regulatory efforts to prioritise safety and infrastructural development on Nigerian waterways.
Alhaji Balogun commended the government for its efforts in promoting safety across the country’s inland waterways, even as he assured that the life jackets would be used judiciously.
“There must be a firm policy: no life jacket, no entry. I’ve witnessed several cases where passengers refuse to wear them. That should not be allowed. Safety must come first,” he said.
Balogun also praised the federal government, particularly President Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, for their commitment to maritime safety and for recognising the importance of life-saving gear in water transport.
“If you’re drunk or perceived to be a threat to others onboard, operators must have the authority to refuse you entry. There is also the problem of bringing animals onboard, especially dogs, who can scare passengers onboard and make boats capsize,” he stated.
Balogun also called on the Ogun State Government to emulate Lagos by setting up a dedicated waterways authority and constructing jetties in collaboration with local boat operators.
